NASSCO

07/28/2026

The USNS Hector A. Cafferata Jr. (ESB 8) wrapped up her acceptance trials, marking a massive milestone – not just for the ship, but for the entire Expeditionary Sea Base program. As the eighth and final ESB in production, watching her perform on the water during her multi-day trials was the ultimate payoff for years of relentless effort.

Huge congratulations to the entire shipbuilding team, Navy personnel, and industry partners who brought this class from blueprint to reality. End of an era for production, but just the beginning for the fleet.

07/22/2026

Today, NASSCO shipbuilders laid the foundation for the future USNS Dolores Huerta (T-AO 214) with the installation of its very first grand block!

Every ship begins with a single step – and a lot of hard work. We look forward to showing this amazing ship come to life in the months ahead and the NASSCO shipbuilders who make it possible.

07/08/2026

Another historic milestone is officially in the books! Today we celebrated the Start of Construction Ceremony for the future USNS Joshua L. Goldberg, the 11th T-AO in the John Lewis Fleet Oiler program.🎊

Born in Belarus during the reign of the Russian Empire, Goldberg would eventually become the first rabbi commissioned as a U.S. Navy chaplain.

To mark the occasion, the ceremonial first cut of steel was made by longtime NASSCO employee, Arnold Patterson, Production Supervisor, Blast & Paint Dept. Arnold started his journey with us 33 years ago as a painter in the Blast & Paint Department. As he prepares to retire next year, he will finish his incredible career right where it all began – in the very same department.

Thank you, Arnold, for over three decades of hard work, leadership, and expertise. We are honored to have you guide this new vessel as it begins to come to life!

06/19/2026

Yesterday, NASSCO shipbuilders celebrated the keel laying for the future USNS Harriet Tubman (T-AO 213). To make the milestone truly unforgettable, we were joined by the ship’s sponsor, Ernestine “Tina” Martin Wyatt – the 3x great-grandniece of Harriet Tubman herself.

Ms. Wyatt welded her initials onto a steel plate, permanently weaving her family’s historic dedication to justice and courage into the very backbone of this vessel. 💥

“As we lay the keel for this vessel that bears her name, we recognize that, like Harriet Tubman, this ship will embody the spirit of courage and freedom, forging the path to protect and uplift those in need wherever those missions may be,” said Mai Hansen, NASSCO T-AO Program Manager. “Guided by her spirit and dedication once we leave here today, NASSCO’s skilled shipbuilders will continue doing what they do best—working with passion and urgency to deliver these much-needed ships to the fleet.”

Thank you to our incredible team and all who gathered for this ceremony!

06/10/2026

Launch ✅
Sea Trials ✅
Delivery ✅

The celebration continues at NASSCO! Yesterday, we officially delivered the USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210), the sixth ship in the U.S. Navy’s John Lewis-class fleet oiler program.

This milestone is the ultimate payoff for the thousands of hours, immense skill, and hard work our team pours into the deck plates. From the first cut of steel to this final hand-off, it takes an entire shipyard family to bring a vessel of this scale to life.

Thank you to everyone who made this day a reality!

06/08/2026

The grills were hot and the tradition continues! 🔥

Last Friday, we were back at it for another Galley Cookout for the future USNS Harriet Tubman (T-AO 213), celebrating the incredible teamwork between and Trident Maritime Systems.

These cookouts are more than just food - they're our way of pausing to recognize the relentless craftsmanship and dedication it takes to bring these ships to life.

With every space we close out on ground, we're one step closer to delivery. Many thanks to the crews putting in the hard work day in and day out!

06/06/2026

General Dynamics NASSCO has christened and launched the USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211), the seventh ship in the fleet oiler program built for the U.S. Navy. 🍾

“The General Dynamics NASSCO team has been a strong partner of our forces for decades, particularly in the design and construction of our Naval auxiliary ships,” said Maj. Gen. David Bligh, Judge Advocate General of the Navy, representing the Secretary of the Navy. “There is a vital link between our defense industrial base and the effectiveness of our fighting men and women around the world.”

You can read the full press release here: https://nassco.com/featured/general-dynamics-nassco-christens-the-usns-thurgood-marshall-the-seventh-ship-in-the-t-ao-program-built-for-the-u-s-navy/

05/13/2026

We are pleased to announce the funding for T-AO 217. This will allow our dedicated shipbuilders to keep moving fast and deliver these much needed ships to the fleet.

Funding is part of the eight-ship block buy contract awarded in Sept. 2024. NASSCO is currently under contract to build 17 of the Navy’s 20-ship program of record, and has delivered five to date. SAN DIEGO — General Dynamics NASSCO announced today that it has received funding of $856 million for...

05/06/2026

Watching years of hard work hit the horizon! 🌊 The USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210) looked sharp during sea trials. Smooth sailing from the crew and big salute to the NASSCO team!