In a significant development for the U.S. Navy, General Dynamics NASSCO has officially laid the keel for the USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211), the seventh ship in the John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler line. The ceremony took place in San Diego, California, and involved the integration of the vessel’s modular components at the ground level. During this event, the initials of the system sponsor were etched into the keel plate, marking a pivotal moment in the ship’s construction.
The USNS Thurgood Marshall is designed to operate under the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command, providing crucial support by distributing fuel, dry cargo, and aviation capabilities to in-service ships while they are at sea. The vessel carries the name of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American justice to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. His legacy is closely tied to civil rights, as he championed issues such as affirmative action, abortion rights, and opposition to the death penalty. Before his tenure on the Supreme Court, Marshall was known for his work as a civil rights lawyer, addressing racial disparities in housing, education, elections, and other critical areas.
The keel-laying ceremony featured the participation of Marshall’s granddaughters, Cecilla Marshall and Melonie Tibbs, along with his granddaughter-in-law, Alissa Kamens Marshall, who served as the oiler’s sponsors. “USNS Thurgood Marshall honors the legacy of an extraordinary civil and human rights leader who is an example of perseverance to all,” said John Lighthammer, the U.S. Navy Auxiliary and Special Mission Ships Program Manager. He expressed optimism about the ship’s construction, stating that the keel laying represents just the beginning of many significant milestones ahead.
The John Lewis-class replenishment oilers are designed with a length of 746 feet (227 meters) and a beam of 107 feet (33 meters). The vessels are capable of accommodating over 120 personnel and can carry a maritime helicopter. For defense, they are outfitted with .50-caliber machine guns, a close-in weapon system, and surface-to-air missiles. Powered by twin Fairbanks-Morse diesel engines, the ships can reach a top speed of 20 knots (approximately 23 miles per hour or 37 kilometers per hour) and have an impressive operational range of over 6,000 nautical miles (6,905 miles or 11,112 kilometers).
Currently, NASSCO is constructing three ships of the John Lewis-class, including the USNS Thurgood Marshall, at its San Diego facility. Earlier in June, the keel was laid for the sixth ship in the class, the USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210), further highlighting the ongoing commitment to enhance the capabilities of the U.S. Navy’s fleet replenishment operations.
