US Navy: Newest replenishment oiler USNS Robert F. Kennedy delivered

Following the successful completion of the sea trials, John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO 208) was delivered to the US Navy in San Diego on December 10, 2024.

The 227-meter USNS Robert F. Kennedy is the fourth ship in the John Lewis class, previously known as the TAO(X). This class of oilers can carry 162,000 barrels of diesel ship fuel, aviation fuel, and dry storage cargo. The upgraded oiler is built with double hulls to protect against oil spills and strengthened cargo and ballast tanks.

The vessel, like its sister ships, has a full load displacement of 49,850 tons and can sail at a speed of up to 20 knots.

Delivery follows the completion of integrated sea trials, during which the ship’s readiness and capabilities are tested and validated against delivery requirements.

“This delivery is a significant milestone as we bring another oiler to our fleet and increase our replenishment underway capabilities,” said John Lighthammer, program manager, Auxiliary and Special Mission Ships, Program Executive Office, Ships (PEO Ships).

“This is the final stepping stone in getting this essential ship to our civilian mariners in need of its tools.”

The Lewis-class oilers will replace the current Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oilers as they age out of the Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet. Kennedy was built and christened at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. The vessel was launched in October last year.

John Lewis-class ships (T-AOs) are operated by the Military Sealift Command and provide additional capacity to the US Navy’s Combat Logistics Force.

General Dynamics NASSCO is also in production on T-AOs: USNS Lucy Stone (T-AO 209), USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210), USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211), and USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg (T-AO 212).

The future USNS Harriet Tubman (T-AO 213) and USNS Dolores Huerta (T-AO 214) are under contract.

Additionally, a block buy contract was issued in September 2024 for the detailed design and construction of T-AO 214-221.

The news follows continued progress on the program as the keel was laid on the future USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211) last week. 

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