Angeline Leishman
General Dynamics‘ shipbuilding company christened the U.S. Navy’s first John Lewis-class replenishment oiler during a recent ceremony in San Diego, California.
The future USNS John Lewis was completed only half a decade after the award of a construction contract in 2016, General Dynamics’ National Steel and Shipbuilding Company said Saturday.
The 742-foot-long and 49,850-tonner ship will form part of the Navy’s next generation of oilers capable of delivering 157,000 barrels of oil to carrier strike groups at a speed of 20 knots.
Ray Mabus, former Navy secretary, noted at the ceremony that the new fleet will be named after civil and human rights leaders, including the late Georgia Rep. John Lewis.
“Just as its namesake, this majestic vessel will be instrumental in shaping the future of our Nation,” said NASSCO President Dave Carver.
The General Dynamics company is currently constructing the next three John Lewis-class ships, with two more to be built under its Navy contract.
