GD NASSCO lays the 1st block of USNS Lucy Stone

General Dynamics NASSCO (GD NASSCO) has laid the first block of US Navy’s John Lewis-class oiler USNS Lucy Stone.

The first block of USNS Lucy Stone (T-AO 209) was laid on 27 April, the company revealed in its social media post. The construction of the vessels kicked off in October last year.

The vessel is the fifth of eight ships for the U.S. Navy’s John Lewis-class fleet oiler program.

Designed to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy carrier strike group ships operating at sea, the 742-feet vessels have a full load displacement of 49,850 tons, with the capacity to carry 157,000 barrels of oil, a significant dry cargo capacity, aviation capability and up to a speed of 20 knots.

In January this year, the firm christened the third vessel in the class, USNS Earl Warren (T-AO 207).

The second ship, the future USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206) will be delivered to the Navy later this year.

The lead ship, the USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205) was delivered to the Navy in 2022.