General Dynamics NASSCO has been awarded a $1.7 billion contract for the construction of two additional John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers, T-AO 215 and T-AO 216, under its ongoing multi-ship agreement with the U.S. Navy.
The San Diego-based shipbuilder, a business unit of General Dynamics, is now under contract to build 17 of the Navy’s 20-ship program of record and has delivered four oilers to date.
“The T-AO program holds significant importance to the men and women of NASSCO and is one we take great pride in—it’s the longest running Navy production series in NASSCO history,” said Dave Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. “The timely funding for these two ships will act to stabilize the workforce by sustaining an important backlog and prevent future layoffs. Our entire NASSCO team is honored to continue to support the critical national security mission of the U.S. Navy.”
The Navy first awarded NASSCO a contract in 2016 to design and build six John Lewis-class fleet oilers. The contract was later modified in 2022 to include three more vessels (T-AO 211–213), and in 2024 expanded again with an eight-ship deal covering T-AO 214 through 221.
These ships are designed to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy vessels operating at sea, providing critical underway replenishment capability to the fleet. Each 742’x106’ oiler has a full-load displacement of 49,850 tons, and can carry 162,000 bbls. of oil along with dry cargo and aviation support. The vessels draw 33.5’ and operate at speeds up to 20 knots.
NASSCO currently has five John Lewis-class oilers under construction in its San Diego shipyard. Company officials said continued production of the T-AO series supports both the Navy’s fleet readiness and the stability of the shipyard’s skilled workforce.
