US Navy Welcomes USNS Lucy Stone, Enhancing Fleet Replenishment Capabilities
General Dynamics NASSCO has successfully delivered the USNS Lucy Stone, the fifth ship in the John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler series, to the U.S. Navy. The delivery took place on December 16, following a series of successful sea trials that confirmed the ship’s readiness and operational capabilities. This new addition is set to bolster the Navy’s ability to supply fuel to carrier strike groups while they operate at sea.
Fleet replenishment oilers like the USNS Lucy Stone are crucial for maintaining the operational readiness of naval forces. These vessels are capable of carrying up to 162,000 barrels of various fuels, including jet fuel, diesel fuel, and lubricating oil. In addition to fuel, the oilers can transport a significant amount of dry cargo, ensuring that naval operations can continue without interruption. John Lighthammer, the program manager for auxiliary and special mission shipbuilding, emphasized the importance of this delivery, stating, “The delivery of USNS Lucy Stone will provide our fleet with another oiler, enhancing our replenishment underway and direct fueling capabilities.”
Future of the John Lewis-Class Fleet
The USNS Lucy Stone is part of a broader initiative to expand the Navy’s replenishment fleet. Currently, four additional oilers are under construction, named Sojourner Truth, Thurgood Marshall, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Harriet Tubman. Furthermore, two more vessels are under contract, with a total of 20 planned for the class. This expansion is vital for ensuring that the Navy can sustain its operations in various maritime environments.
The naming of these vessels reflects a commitment to honoring civil rights figures, a decision that has sparked discussions within the military community. Notably, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced criticism for renaming the second ship from Harvey Milk, a prominent gay rights activist, to Oscar V. Peterson, a Medal of Honor recipient. This change highlights the ongoing dialogue about representation and recognition within the Navy’s fleet.
As the USNS Lucy Stone joins the fleet, it represents a significant milestone in enhancing the Navy’s logistical capabilities at sea. The ship will be operated by civilian mariners from the Military Sealift Command, who are equipped with the necessary tools to support at-sea operations. The continued development of the John Lewis-class oilers underscores the Navy’s commitment to maintaining a robust and capable maritime force.
