USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205), the Navy’s lead ship of its new class of fleet replenishment oilers, conducted initial Builder’s Trials and returned to port, Feb. 4, 2022. U.S. Navy Photo
The Military Sealift Command’s newest fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205) achieved a significant milestone by completing its first fleet-tasked underway replenishment operation with USS Mustin off Southern California.
The operation marks a crucial step for the lead ship of the John Lewis-class oilers, which was certified “Ready for Tasking” and officially joined the Third Fleet on March 10. The ship is scheduled for its maiden deployment later this year.
“Providing logistics services to the Navy is the bedrock mission of MSC,” said Nikki Phelps, MSCPAC’s deputy operations officer. “Having USNS John Lewis certified for tasking, providing support to Third Fleet, gives the United States another asset to provide logistics services in a timely, safe and professional manner”.
The 746-foot vessel represents the next generation of fleet replenishment capabilities, featuring enhanced safety measures including double hulls and reinforced cargo tanks. With a capacity of 162,000 barrels for diesel ship fuel, aviation fuel, and dry stores cargo, the John Lewis-class will eventually replace the aging Kaiser Class oilers.
The Military Sealift Command operates approximately 140 civilian-crewed vessels, employing around 6,000 Civil Service Mariners and 1,100 contract mariners, supported by shore staff and military personnel.
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 108,920 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
The Royal Navy, along with NATO allies, conducted a coordinated operation to monitor a Russian naval task group transporting cargo from Syria through UK territorial waters in the English Channel....
In a significant milestone for South Korea’s maritime industry, Hanwha Ocean has successfully completed maintenance and overhaul work on the Military Sealift Command’s dry cargo ship USNS Wally Schirra, marking...
Shares of Australian shipbuilder Austal Ltd. climbed after a unit of Hanwha Aerospace Co. became a substantial shareholder of the US Navy contractor, as South Korea’s top defense firm attempts to bolster its foothold in America.
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 108,920 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
