Overview
- General Dynamics NASSCO will build T-AO 215 and T-AO 216 under a multi-ship arrangement that covers up to eight additional oilers numbered T-AO 214 through 221.
- The newly funded hulls are the second and third ships under the eight-vessel contract expansion reported in 2024.
- NASSCO has delivered four John Lewis-class oilers to the Navy and has five more under construction, with contracts in place for 17 of the 20 ships planned in the program of record.
- Company president Dave Carver said the timely funding sustains backlog to prevent future layoffs and underscores the long-running production line at the San Diego yard.
- The 742-foot oilers can carry about 162,000 barrels of fuel, transport dry cargo, support aviation operations, and conduct underway replenishment at speeds up to roughly 20 knots.