According to information published by the US DoD on January 21, 2023, the Navy christens John Lewis-class replenishment oiler, the future USNS Earl Warren (T-AO 207), during a ceremony, in San Diego.
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John Lewis class replenishment oiler USNS Earl Warren. (Picture source: NASSCO)
The John Lewis-class ships are based on commercial design standards and will recapitalize the current T-AO 187-class fleet replenishment oilers to provide underway replenishment of fuel to U.S. Navy ships at sea. These ships are part of the Navy's Combat Logistics Force.
In June 2016, the Navy awarded a $3.2 billion contract to General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego for the design and construction of the first six ships of the Future Fleet Replenishment Ship, the John Lewis-class.
The first of class, USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205), delivered in July 2022 and is currently undergoing post-delivery test and trials and operational testing. T-AO 206-209 are under construction at General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego and T-AO 210-212 are under contract. The Navy plans to procure 20 ships of the John Lewis class.
USNS Earl Warren will have a length of 746 ft ( 227.4 m) a beam of 106 ft 5 in (32.4 m) and a draft of 33.5 ft (10.2 m). She has a displacement of 49,850 tons full load.
The ship is powered by two medium-speed Fairbanks-Morse MAN 12V48/60CR diesel engines, two shafts, and propellers. She will be able to reach a top speed of 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph).
The replenishment oiler will be armed with Multiple .50 caliber machine guns and has the space, weight, and power reservations for Phalanx Close-In Weapons Systems or SeaRam.
