Mon Sep 23 14:51:53 UTC 2024: ## NASSCO Launches Fifth John Lewis-Class Fleet Oiler, USNS Lucy Stone

**San Diego, CA** – General Dynamics NASSCO has christened and launched the USNS Lucy Stone (T-AO 209), the fifth ship in the John Lewis-class fleet oiler program for the U.S. Navy. The ceremony, held on Saturday, celebrated the ongoing partnership between NASSCO and the Navy, highlighting the vital role of fleet replenishment capabilities.

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the strategic importance of the program. The ship is named after Lucy Stone, a prominent 19th-century American suffragist and abolitionist. Her contributions to the Women’s National Loyal League were crucial in the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery.

NASSCO president Dave Carver highlighted the ship’s significance, stating, “The USNS Lucy Stone is the embodiment of American unity and purpose – a beacon of freedom that will carry Lucy Stone’s legacy, and the legacy of America, all over the world.”

This launch follows the Navy’s recent contract with General Dynamics NASSCO for the construction of up to eight additional John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers. This agreement, potentially worth up to $6.7 billion, expands the T-AO program to a total of seventeen contracted ships out of a planned twenty, making it the longest Navy production series in NASSCO history.

The John Lewis-class fleet oilers are designed to provide vital support to U.S. Navy carrier strike groups at sea. These 742-foot vessels boast a full load displacement of 49,850 tons and can carry 157,000 barrels of oil. Their capabilities include significant dry cargo capacity, aviation support, and a top speed of 20 knots.

The launch of the USNS Lucy Stone and the expanded contract demonstrate the Navy’s commitment to maintaining a robust and efficient naval logistics capability as it modernizes its fleet. The first three ships in the class, the USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205), the USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206), and the USNS Earl Warren (T-AO 207), have all been delivered to the Navy. The USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO 208) will undergo sea trials next month, and the future USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210) and Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211) are currently under construction.

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