US Navy replenishment oiler John Lewis conducts builder’s trials

USNS John Lewis, the lead ship of a new class of fleet replenishment oilers slated for the US Navy, conducted initial builder’s trials and returned to port on Friday, February 4.

The trials consist of a series of in-port and at-sea demonstrations that allow the navy and the shipbuilder, General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO), to assess the ship’s systems and readiness prior to acceptance trials and delivery to the navy.

The new John Lewis-class oilers will be operated by the Military Sealift Command to provide diesel fuel and lubricating oil, and small quantities of fresh and frozen provisions, stores, and potable water to navy ships at sea. The ships will also transport jet fuel for aircraft assigned to aircraft carriers.