SECNAV Del Toro Announces Future John Lewis-class Oilers: T-AO 215 and T-AO 216 Named

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro unveiled the names of two new John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers, designated as T-AO 215 and T-AO 216. The ships will be christened as the USNS Joshua L. Goldberg and the USNS Thomas D. Parham Jr., respectively.

Del Toro made this announcement on January 16 through a video message aimed at the Department of Navy’s chaplain corps. He highlighted the essential role Navy Chaplains play as symbols of hope and support within the naval community. “These ships will carry forward the spirit of selfless service,” Del Toro emphasized during his address.

The naming of these vessels continues the tradition of honoring civil rights leaders, a practice established for John Lewis-class oilers. Previous ships have been named after iconic figures like Thurgood Marshall and Harriet Tubman. The future oilers, however, are unique in that they bear the names Joshua L. Goldberg and Thomas D. Parham Jr. for the first time in Navy history.

Navy’s Chief of Chaplains Rear Adm. Gregory N. Todd expressed his approval of the decision, stating, “Naming these ships after heroic chaplains is both humbling and reassuring.” He praised Goldberg and Parham for their exemplary leadership and spiritual guidance.

Captain Joshua L. Goldberg, honored through T-AO 215, holds a significant legacy as the first Jewish rabbi to enlist in naval service during World War II. Goldberg’s story began in present-day Belarus, within the Russian Empire, from where he emigrated to the U.S. after deserting the Russian army. Post World War I, he embraced his rabbinical calling and joined the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1941. His extensive contributions include advising on Jewish affairs and producing resources for spiritual support.

Del Toro has named Teresa Todd and Debbie Anderson as sponsors for the USNS Joshua L. Goldberg, establishing a lifelong connection with the ship and its crew.

The USNS Thomas D. Parham Jr., or T-AO 216, commemorates Captain Thomas David Parham Jr., the first African American Navy sailor to be promoted to the rank of O-6. Parham’s daughter, Capt. Mae Pouget, shared her family’s gratitude for this recognition. Parham, ordained in 1944, overcame racial discrimination to serve with distinction in various naval roles, including significant contributions during the Korean War.

Capt. Mae Pouget has been named the sponsor of T-AO 216, drawing on her experience as a Navy medical officer. “I will advocate for and attend to the USNS Thomas J. Parham Jr. and pray for her divine protection,” she expressed with heartfelt commitment.

Fleet replenishment oilers like T-AO 215 and T-AO 216 are pivotal to naval operations, carrying 162,000 barrels of oil and significant cargo to support carrier strike groups. For further details about Fleet Replenishment Oilers, visit Arizonanews.org.