Keel Laid For Lead Ship In New Class Of Oilers

The Navy has laid the keel for the first vessel in a new class of fleet replenishment oilers, reports the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).

General Dynamics-NASSCO held the keel-laying ceremony for the John Lewis on Monday at its San Diego shipyard.

The class is based on commercial design standards and will replace the current Henry J. Kaiser-class oilers, which provide at-sea refueling for Navy ships.

Construction of the John Lewis, which honors the civil rights leader and...