General Dynamics NASSCO begins construction of US Navy fleet oiler John Lewis

General Dynamics NASSCO has begun construction of the future USNS John Lewis, the first ship for the US Navy's John Lewis fleet oiler programme, by holding a steel-cutting ceremony at its San Diego shipyard.

Construction of this first ship is scheduled to be complete in November 2020.

Designed to transfer fuel to US Navy carrier strike group ships operating at sea, the John Lewis-class oilers will feature the capacity to carry 157,000 barrels of oil, a significant dry cargo capacity, aviation capability, and a speed of 20 knots.