General Dynamics NASSCO has transferred the fifth John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler, the USNS Lucy Stone (T-AO 209), to the US Navy.
The handover comes after the vessel’s complex sea trials and component assessments to confirm its capability upon entering service.
The milestone is part of the broader T-AO program to deploy a modern surface fleet that can transport large fuel volumes for warships and their on-board maritime helicopters, as well as dry goods for operating sailors across the military’s multiple areas of responsibility.
Washington currently plans to integrate up to 20 tanker vessels into this network, six of which are in various stages of development and four already in active service.
“The delivery of USNS Lucy Stone will provide our fleet with another oiler, enhancing our replenishment underway and direct fueling capabilities,” said John Lighthammer, manager of the auxiliary and special mission shipbuilding program office for the US Navy.
“This is a significant milestone as we bring our civilian mariners an additional ship equipped with the tools to support at sea operations.”
Next-Generation Oiler
The John Lewis-class system is 746 feet (227 meters) in length, has a beam of 107 feet (33 meters), two dry cargo rigs, and five refueling stations.
It can carry a total of 162,000 barrels (25.7 million liters) of oil, 125 personnel, and a support helicopter.
The vessel sails with twin Fairbanks-Morse diesel engines for a maximum speed of 20 knots (23 miles/37 kilometers per hour) and a range of more than 6,000 nautical miles (6,905 miles/11,112 kilometers).
For independent protection, the ship is fitted with torpedo countermeasures, several .50-caliber machine guns, automatic weapon systems, and surface-to-air missiles.
