U.S. Navy Set to Christen Upcoming USNS Lucy Stone

The Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy, will deliver the principal address at the christening ceremony of the USNS Lucy Stone. Additional remarks will come from Meredith Berger, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment, Vice Adm. Jeffery T. Jablon, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Installations and Logistics, and David J. Carver, President of General Dynamics NASSCO. Ship sponsors Alicia Aadnesen and Debbie Simmons will perform the traditional bottle-breaking ceremony.

The vessel honors suffragist Lucy Stone, who, alongside activists like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, campaigned relentlessly for suffrage and abolition in the 19th century. Her work with the Women’s National Loyal League was instrumental in the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment, ending slavery in the United States.

“Lucy Stone’s legacy of leadership and advocacy for equality reflects the values we uphold in the U.S Navy,” stated Secretary Del Toro. “USNS Lucy Stone stands as a testament to our commitment to operational excellence and is a proud moment as we continue to build and strengthen our maritime capabilities.”

Set to be the fifth Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler, the USNS Lucy Stone will be operated by the Navy’s Military Sealift Command. These oilers are crucial, offering extensive oil and dry cargo capacity along with aviation capabilities, thus becoming a cornerstone of the Navy’s fuel delivery system.

PEO Ships, a significant acquisition organization within the Department of Defense, oversees the development and procurement of various naval vessels including destroyers, amphibious ships, auxiliary ships, and support ships.

For media inquiries, contact the Navy Office of Information at (703) 697-5342. More details on the Fleet Replenishment Oilers can be found at: