On 21 May, General Dynamics NASSCO started construction of the future USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO 208), the fourth of six vessels for the U.S. Navy’s John Lewis-class (TAO-205) fleet oiler program.
Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, representatives from NASSCO and the U.S. Navy gathered for a hybrid virtual and in-person steel cutting ceremony.
“Today, we celebrate a time-honored tradition that marks the beginning of production for the ship and to celebrate the life and service of the ship’s namesake Robert F. Kennedy ,” Dave Carver , president of General Dynamics NASSCO, said.
Designed to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy carrier strike group ships operating at sea, the 742-feet vessels have a full load displacement of 49,850 tons, with the capacity to carry 157,000 barrels of oil, a significant dry cargo capacity, aviation capability and up to a speed of 20 knots.
The US Navy wants to procure a total of 20 TAO-205s.
In January this year, the future USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205), the lead ship in the class, was launched at NASSCO.