General Dynamics NASSCO has secured a $1.7-billion contract from the US Navy to construct two new John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers, designated T-AO 215 and T-AO 216. The latest award expands the Navy’s multi-ship procurement program, which aims to add up to eight more vessels to this vital support fleet.
The new contract builds on NASSCO’s continued partnership with the US Navy. To date, the company has delivered four oilers, all constructed at its San Diego shipyard in California. The shipbuilder previously received an eight-ship agreement in 2024, following a 2022 modification that added three more vessels to the growing class.
NASSCO first began work on the John Lewis-class program in 2016 after being awarded a $3.2-billion contract to design and build the initial six ships. These T-AO fleet replenishment oilers play a crucial role in sustaining US naval operations, supplying fuel, water, and provisions to ships at sea under the Military Sealift Command.
Each John Lewis-class oiler measures 742 feet in length with a beam of 106 feet and a full-load displacement of nearly 50,000 tons. Capable of carrying up to 162,000 barrels of fuel, the ships can reach speeds of 20 knots and are manned by 129 civilian mariners. With up to five replenishment stations, they enable seamless at-sea resupply for surface vessels and carrier-based aircraft, supporting the Navy’s global presence and deterrence missions.
