USNS Lucy Stone (T-AO 209) Christening & Launch. Photo courtesy NASSCO
General Dynamics NASSCO 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, taking place Saturday, marked a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between NASSCO and the U.S. Navy, highlighting the importance of naval fleet replenishment capabilities.
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro delivered the principal address at the event, emphasizing the strategic importance of the fleet oiler program.
The ship’s namesake, Lucy Stone, was a prominent 19th-century American suffragist and abolitionist. Her contributions to the Women’s National Loyal League played a crucial role in the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States.
NASSCO president Dave Carver underscored 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.”
The launch comes after the U.S. Navy recently signed a 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, extends 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 operating 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.
As the Navy continues to modernize its fleet, the launch of the USNS Lucy Stone and the expanded contract for additional oilers demonstrate the ongoing commitment to maintaining a robust and efficient naval logistics capability.
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) goes on 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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