Keels laid for two future US Navy ships

San Diego shipbuilder General Dynamics NASSCO held keel-laying ceremonies for two future US Navy vessels on Saturday, April 30.

The keels were laid for the future expeditionary sea base (ESB) USS John L. Canley and the future John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler (T-AO) USNS Earl Warren.

The ESB will be used to support aviation mine countermeasure and special operations force missions while the T-AO 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 US Navy ships at sea, and fuel for embarked aircraft.

The ESB is named for retired US Marine Corps Sergeant Major John L. Canley, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in the Vietnam War. The T-AO honours Earl Warren, a former US Army officer who served as US Supreme Court Chief Justice from 1953 to 1969.

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