US: General Dynamics gets $6.7 bn contract to build Navy replenishment oilers fleet

General Dynamics NASSCO has received a major contract from the US Navy. The company will build up to eight additional John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers.

The contract is worth more than $6.7 billion and this happens to be a major expansion of the US Navy’s oiler fleet. It will also strengthen NASSCO’s position as one of the most important naval shipbuilding contractors.

The contract also comes with an award worth $780 million for the tenth ship in the series. It also has options for more than seven vessels after this. Currently, the total number of contracted ships in the John Lewis-class program category is seventeen out of twenty.

Back in 2016, the Navy had awarded NASSCO with a contract to design and build the first six ships.

An expanded fleet enhances the Navy’s fuel and cargo capabilities

The folks modified the contract in 2022, with three extra oilers. These were all designed to help transfer fuel to the US Navy ships that operate at sea. The vessels which are 742 in number come with a full load displacement of 49,850 tons. They have the capacity to carry around 162,000 barrels of oil.

Along with oil, they could also help carry large amounts of cargo, as well as aviation capacity while traveling at speeds up to 20 knots.

Speaking about the development Dave Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO expressed his pleasure to continue building these ships. “This will make the T-AO program the longest Navy production series in NASSCO history,” he said .

He added that the NASSCO team is extremely happy to be working with the Navy and is grateful for its support.

All these vessels also provide aviation capabilities while they travel at speeds of 20 knots. The first ship called USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205), was delivered to the U.S. Navy in July 2022.

Currently, the ships The USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210) and the USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211) are under construction. Apart from this, the USNS Lucy Stone (T-AO 209) will be launched this month.

T-AO oilers designed for speed and mission-focused naval operations

The USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg (T-AO 212) will be launched in October this year. The General Dynamics NASSCO is well known for its unique designs and for constructing Navy and commercial ships.

It is also a major provider of repair and other services for the US Navy. It also has its capabilities in San Diego, California, Norfolk, Virginia; Mayport, Florida; and Bremerton, Washington.

The major USPs of the T-AO fleet replenishment oilers are that they are fast and mission-focused. They are designed such that they can operate in near-shore environments.

Apart from this, the platform can also support forward presence, maritime security, sea control and deterrence.

The great naval presence of the platform helps strengthen defensive and offensive operations. It also helps act as a deterrent against potential threats.

In a nutshell, it plays an important role in upholding sovereignty and promoting tranquillity through its terrific capabilities.