The US Navy officially received the fleet replenishment oiler, USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206), from General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) on July 11.

The Navy accepted delivery of the T-AO 206 following the conclusion of acceptance trials, conducted in collaboration with the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey to assess the ship's preparedness and capabilities.

In a statement released today, John Lighthammer, the programme manager of the Auxiliary and Special Mission Shipbuilding Programme Office, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming delivery of the USNS Harvey Milk. “The fleet and her sailors will benefit from enhanced at-sea operations.” The vessel, which is the second of its class, is set to significantly enhance the Navy's ability to provide a fuel pipeline at sea.

Harvey Milk, the second vessel of the 20-ship class, has been assigned to Military Sealift Command for operational purposes. The ship offers an array of essential supplies to sustain Navy vessels navigating the vast expanses of the open sea. The vessel supplies diesel fuel, lubricating oil, and jet fuel, ensuring the uninterrupted propulsion of these Navy ships at sea.

Additionally, the ship provides a limited yet vital selection of fresh and frozen provisions, as well as dry stores and potable water, to meet the sustenance needs of other crews. The T-AOs are set to enhance the Navy's Combat Logistics Force by providing crucial underway replenishment capacity, solidifying their position as the backbone of the fuel delivery system.

General Dynamics NASSCO are also constructing the USNS Earl Warren (T-AO 207), the future USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO 208), the USNS Lucy Stone (T-AO 209), and the USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210), and has entered into contracts for the construction of three more vessels, the future USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211), USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg (T-AO 212), and a yet-to-be-named T-AO 213.