Keel laid for US Navy’s second John Lewis-class fleet oiler

By Baird Maritime - September 8, 2020.

*A John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler (Photo: US Navy)*

General Dynamics NASSCO has laid the keel of the future USNS Harvey Milk, the second of a planned six John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers being built for the US Navy.

The 228-metre, 49,000-tonne vessel will be capable of carrying 156,000 barrels of oil as well as food, ammunition, spare parts, and other essential items in support of the US Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups. Defensive armament will include a close-in weapon system (CIWS) for use against hostile anti-ship missiles as well as a torpedo countermeasure system.

The vessel will honour the late Harvey Milk, a former US Navy officer and politician from California.