USNS Lucy Stone Debuts as MSC’s Latest Fleet Replenishment Oiler

SAN DIEGO — The fleet replenishment oiler USNS Lucy Stone (T-AO 209), the Military Sealift Command’s newest vessel, was christened today at General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, Calif.

The event saw high-profile attendees including Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment Meredith Berger, and U.S. THIRD Fleet Commander Vice Adm. John F. G. Wade. Other distinguished guests included Vice Adm. Jeffrey Jablon, Rear Adm. Thomas J. Anderson, and Capt. Micah Murphy alongside U.S. Merchant Marine Capt. Lee Apsley, Stone’s civil service master, and NASSCO San Diego executives.

The ship pays tribute to American suffragist Lucy Stone, a prominent 19th-century advocate for suffrage and abolition. Stone, along with Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, played a pivotal role in the women’s rights movement and the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment.

“Naming this ship after Lucy Stone underscores her monumental contributions to freedom and equality,” stated Deborah Donnley Simmons, the ship’s co-sponsor. “Her legacy will extend globally as this ship voyages across the seas.”

During the ceremony, co-sponsors Alicia Aadnesen and Deborah Donley Simmons christened the ship by breaking a champagne bottle over its bow, declaring, “For the United States of America, I christen you the USNS Lucy Stone. May God bless this ship and all who sail on her.” This was followed by the ship’s horns sounding, accompanied by music from the Navy Band Southwest and a flurry of red, white, and blue streamers.

“Lucy Stone’s enduring legacy as a trailblazer in the women’s rights movement remains a powerful source of inspiration,” remarked Secretary Mabus. “Her efforts paved the way for leaders like Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the current Chief of Naval Operations.”

The 746-foot USNS Lucy Stone is the fifth vessel in the John Lewis-class, designed to replace the aging Kaiser Class fleet oilers. With the capacity to carry 162,000 barrels of diesel ship fuel, aviation fuel, and dry stores cargo, the new oiler features double hulls, strengthened tanks, and basic self-defense capabilities. Crew operations will be managed by approximately 100 civilian Merchant Mariners under MSC’s control.

“Military Sealift Command’s Combat Logistics Fleet is crucial for sustained naval operations,” emphasized Mabus. “Despite challenges, MSC continues to support our nation’s logistics readiness. I express my gratitude to our Merchant Mariners for their dedication and efforts in maintaining our maritime capabilities.”