USNS John Lewis, the lead ship of the US Navy's new class of fleet replenishment oilers, recently conducted acceptance trials.
The acceptance trials consist of a series of in-port and at-sea demonstrations that allow the navy and the shipbuilder, General Dynamics NASSCO, to assess the ship's systems and readiness prior to final delivery to the navy. The trials were conducted following completion of builder's trials in February of this year.
John Lewis and its sisters will be operated by the Military Sealift Command to provide fuel and lubricating oil, and small quantities of fresh and frozen provisions, stores, and potable water to navy ships at sea as well as fuel for embarked aircraft. The oilers feature the capacity to carry barrels of oil, a significant dry cargo capacity, aviation capability and a speed of 20 knots.
NASSCO designed the new vessels with double hulls to protect against oil spills and strengthened cargo and ballast tanks.
