Navy accepts delivery of replenishment oiler USNS Sojourner Truth

The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of USNS Sojourner Truth on Tuesday from General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego.

The delivery marks the official transfer from the shipbuilder to the U.S. Navy, following completion of successful integrated sea trials.

“This ship represents the dedication and expertise of the shipbuilders, engineers, and program professionals who continue to deliver critical capability to the fleet,” said John Lighthammer, the U.S. Navy’s Auxiliaries and Special Mission Shipbuilding program manager.

The Sojourner Truth was christened during a ceremony at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego on April 26, 2025. It is the sixth ship in the John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler program.

This delivery follows the christening Saturday of the USNS Thurgood Marshall. The there will be a keel laying on June 18 for the future USNS Harriet Tubman. These are part of the Navy’s ongoing effort to modernize and expand its fleet replenishment capability in support of global maritime operations.

The John Lewis class of oilers can carry 162,000 barrels of diesel ship fuel, aviation fuel and dry stores cargo, according to a Military Sealift Command. The class is built with double hulls to protect against oil spills. The ships have strengthened cargo and ballast tanks and will be equipped with a basic self-defense capability. The Lewis-class of oilers will replace the current Kaiser class fleet replenishment oilers as they age out of the fleet.

Military Sealift Command directs and supports operations for approximately 140 civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships at sea, conduct specialized missions, pre-position combat cargo at sea around the world, perform a variety of support services, and move military equipment and supplies to deployed U.S. forces.

General Dynamics NASSCO is in production on four additional T-AO vessels, with three more ships currently under contract, according to the Navy.