The US Navy formally named its newest fleet replenishment oiler in a ceremony at General Dynamics NASSCO's facilities in San Diego, California, on Saturday, July 17.
The lead ship of its class, USNS John Lewis honours African-American congressman and civil rights activist John Lewis. The vessel's christening ceremony took place on the first anniversary of Congressman Lewis' death.
Designed to transfer fuel to US Navy carrier strike group ships operating at sea, John Lewis has the capacity to carry 157,000 barrels of oil and a significant quantity of dry cargo such as spare parts, ammunition, and supplies. Its speed of 20 knots will allow it to effectively conduct underway replenishment of the navy's surface warships.