JUNE 10, 2026 – The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210), the sixth ship in the John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler program, from General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego, June 9.
Delivery marks the official transfer from the shipbuilder to the U.S. Navy, following completion of successful integrated sea trials.
“USNS Sojourner Truth’s delivery marks another significant milestone for the Navy and the John Lewis-class program,” said John Lighthammer, Auxiliaries and Special Mission Ships program manager, Deputy Portfolio Acquisition Executive, Auxiliaries. “This ship represents the dedication and expertise of the shipbuilders, engineers, and program professionals who continue to deliver critical capability to the fleet.”
T-AOs are operated by the Military Sealift Command and feature substantial volume for oil, significant dry cargo capacity, and aviation capability. T-AOs provide additional capacity to the Navy’s Combat Logistics Force and are a cornerstone of the Navy’s fuel delivery capability.
Driving forward momentum through a stable and optimized production line, this ship class continues to make progress as it rapidly delivers critical capabilities to the fleet. This delivery follows the recent USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211) christening and the program will have an upcoming keel-laying ceremony for future USNS Harriet Tubman (T-AO 213), scheduled for June 18, representing the next major milestone in the Navy’s ongoing effort to modernize and expand its fleet replenishment capability in support of global maritime operations.
In addition, General Dynamics NASSCO is in production on four additional T-AO vessels, with three more ships currently under contract.
The delivery of T-AO 210 underscores the Navy’s commitment to building America’s Fleet of the Future. For 250 years, American naval power has projected strength globally, operating forward 24/7, 365 days a year. This operational tempo demands continuous capability, and the Fleet of the Future is our answer.
The Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) for Maritime is the single accountable organization for delivering surface ships for the U.S. Navy. This new centralized organizational construct will empower leaders with broader scope and greater authority to accelerate delivery of combat capability and ensure acquisition speed and discipline are driven by what the warfighter needs—when they need it.