Kristen Smith
A General Dynamics subsidiary has launched the fifth of nine John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler ships it should build and deliver under a T-AO program contract with the U.S. Navy.
The new ship, called the USNS Lucy Stone, was christened on Saturday in a ceremony where Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro served as the principal speaker, General Dynamics NASSCO said.
The vessel is named after an American woman who founded the Women’s National Loyal League, which played a key role in the passage of the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery.
“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,” said David Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO.
The first three ships, namely the USNS John Lewis, Harvey Milk and Earl Warren, have already been delivered to the Navy.
General Dynamics NASSCO is set to put the fourth ship, called the USNS Robert F. Kennedy, to test in October while the future USNS Sojourner Truth and Thurgood Marshall are being developed.
The vessels, designed to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy carrier strike group ships, can carry 157,000 barrels of oil and sail at speeds of up to 20 knots.
General Dynamics NASSCO secured a $6.75 billion contract earlier in September to build up to eight additional oilers.
