“Ships are not just steel and machinery—they carry legacies, and they connect past generations to future ones,” said David Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. “The remarkable story of valor and sacrifice of Hector Cafferata Jr. will soon sail across the globe, carried by a ship that embodies his courage and dedication.”

The ship is named for Private First Class Hector A. Cafferata Jr., who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his brave actions at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War. He single-handedly held off a regimental-strength enemy force and safeguarded wounded Marines by throwing a live grenade away from his position. The Medal of Honor was presented to him by President Harry Truman in a White House ceremony in 1952.

The ESB ship class is a highly flexible platform designed to support multiple maritime-based missions. ESB ships are mobile sea-based assets and are a part of the critical access infrastructure that supports the deployment of forces, equipment, supplies, and warfighting capability. These 784-foot ships are configured with a 52,000 square-foot flight deck to support MH-53, MH-60, MV-22 tilt-rotor, and H1 aircraft operations.

The first five ships in the ESB program – USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3), USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4), USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5), USS John L. Canley (ESB 6), and USNS Robert E. Simanek (ESB 7) – have been delivered to the U.S. Navy.

More information about NASSCO can be found at www.nassco.com. More information about General Dynamics can be found at www.generaldynamics.com.

Watch the ship christening at https://youtube.com/live/kF1CJU9VBec?feature=share

View the photo album here: Flickr

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The partnership will advance all three companies’ endeavors into commercial, naval, and other government shipbuilding projects, including the U.S. Navy’s Next Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS), and will leverage decades of common experience and success teaming in U.S.-South Korean shipbuilding.

General Dynamics NASSCO has been the U.S. leading designer and builder of major naval auxiliary and commercial vessels since the 1950s, delivering over 150 vessels to date. NASSCO is currently building the U.S. Navy’s 20-ship class of John Lewis (T-AO 205) Fleet Oilers and is designing the U.S. Navy’s future Submarine Tender (AS-X) class. Recent commercial programs include ConRo ships, containerships, and medium range (MR) tankers, all designed with DSEC and other South Korean partners, leveraging NASSCO’s long history of cooperation with some of the world’s leading ship designers and builders.

“This partnership brings together three extraordinary companies with a track record of success and over 160 years of combined shipbuilding and design experience,” said Dave Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. “Having worked closely with DSEC over the last two decades and now welcoming Samsung Heavy Industries, there is great opportunity in leveraging our expertise and years of learning to execute on the next generation of shipbuilding.”

DSEC Co., Ltd. provides a complete range of shipbuilding and marine engineering services, including ship design, material procurement, quality management, shipyard operations and development consulting, logistics support, and eco retrofit solutions. With over three decades of experience, DSEC has worked extensively on U.S. built ship designs and material packages throughout the U.S., supporting a wide variety of commercial, naval, and government ship programs.

“This MOA strengthens our long-standing collaboration with General Dynamics NASSCO by combining the capabilities of Samsung Heavy Industries and we look forward to contributing greater value to the U.S. shipbuilding and maritime industry,” said Mr. Seogyong Youn, President of DSEC.

Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (SHI) is recognized as one of the world’s leading shipbuilders, specializing in the engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and delivery of advanced commercial vessels. Its portfolio includes liquefied natural gas carriers (LNGC), container ships, drill ships, and floating production units for the oil and gas industry. SHI currently holds the top global market share in drill ships, LNG carriers, and floating LNG production units (FLNG). The company is actively engaged in the construction of three FLNG units and 120 commercial ships.

“Through this tri-party collaboration, SHI is committed to leveraging its technological expertise, skilled workforce and production infrastructure to enhance the capabilities of the U.S. shipbuilding industries,” said Mr. Joonyun Kang, Director of SHI.

For media inquiries please contact, Brian Jones at (619) 241-1387, or via email at, brian.jones@nassco.com

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“The T-AO program holds significant importance to the men and women of NASSCO and is one we take great pride in – it’s the longest running Navy production series in NASSCO history,” said Dave Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. “The timely funding for these two ships will act to stabilize the workforce by sustaining an important backlog and prevent future layoffs. Our entire NASSCO team is honored to continue to support the critical national security mission of the U.S. Navy.”

In 2016, the Navy awarded NASSCO with a contract to design and build the first six ships in the next generation of fleet oilers, the John Lewis-class. In 2022, that contract was modified to add an additional three oilers (T-AO 211 – 213). In 2024 NASSCO received an additional eight-ship contract to build T-AOs 10-17.

Designed to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy ships operating at sea, the 742-feet vessels have a full load displacement of 49,850 tons, capacity to carry 162,000 barrels of oil and significant amounts of dry cargo, as well as providing aviation capability while traveling at speeds up to 20 knots.

The first four ships of the program have been delivered to the U.S. Navy, with five additional T-AOs currently under construction in the NASSCO shipyard.

General Dynamics NASSCO specializes in the design and construction of Navy and commercial ships and is a major provider of repair services for the U.S. Navy, with capabilities in San Diego, California; Norfolk, Virginia; Mayport, Florida; and Bremerton, Washington. It is a business unit of General Dynamics, a global aerospace and defense company that offers a broad portfolio of products and services in business aviation; ship construction and repair; land combat vehicles, weapons systems and munitions; and technology products and services. General Dynamics employs more than 110,000 people worldwide and generated $47.7 billion in revenue in 2024. More information about General Dynamics is available at www.gd.com. More information about General Dynamics NASSCO is available at www.nassco.com.

SOURCE General Dynamics

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Performing the duties of Under Secretary of the Navy, Dr. Brett Seidle served as the principal speaker at the ceremony. Remarks were also delivered by NASSCO President Dave Carver and representatives of the Navy. Following remarks, ship sponsor Barbara M. Allen christened the vessel with the traditional champagne bottle break across the hull. Ms. Allen is a sixth-generation descendant of Sojourner Truth.

“What we christen tonight is not just a ship — it’s the embodiment of American unity that will carry Sojourner Truth’s legacy, and the legacy of America, all over the world,” said Carver. “This ship reminds us that service takes many forms — and that truth, courage, and conviction must always guide our mission.”

A formerly enslaved woman, Truth became an outspoken advocate for abolition, temperance, and civil and women’s rights in the 19th century. In 1864, she was called to Washington, D.C., to work with the National Freedman’s Relief Association. She met with President Abraham Lincoln, influencing both the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished abolition of slavery.

General Dynamics NASSCO was initially awarded the contract to design and build the first nine ships in the T-AO program. Last summer, the Navy signed a new contract for the construction of up to eight additional John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers (T-AO 214 through 221), making the T-AO program the longest Navy production series in NASSCO’s history.

“Here in your hometown of San Diego, naval architects, welders, pipefitters, electricians, and other craftsmen are using their valuable skills to modernize our fleet,” said Seidle. “And their work has a direct connection to the greatness of our Navy and nation.”

Designed to refuel Navy carrier strike group ships at sea, the 746-foot vessels have a full load displacement of 49,850 tons. Each can carry 157,000 barrels of oil, along with significant dry cargo, aviation capability and a top speed of 20 knots.

The first four ships in the class —USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205), USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206), USNS Earl Warren (T-AO 207), and USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO 208) — have all been delivered to the Navy. The Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211) and Ruth Bader Ginsburg (T-AO 212) are currently under construction. Work is also set to begin on the USNS Harriet Tubman (T-AO 213).

More information about NASSCO can be found at www.nassco.com. More information about General Dynamics can be found at www.generaldynamics.com.

See the photos here!

See the program here!

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NORFOLK, Va. – General Dynamics NASSCO–Norfolk  was awarded a contract action for maintenance, modernization and repair of USS Porter (DDG 78). The scope of this acquisition includes all labor, supervision, equipment, production, testing, facilities, and quality assurance necessary to prepare for and accomplish the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Availability for critical modernization, maintenance, and repair programs.

MAYPORT, Fl. – General Dynamics NASSCO–Mayport team in Florida won contracts for a year of Planned Maintenance Availabilities (PMAVs), consisting of Planned Maintenance (PM), Facilities Maintenance (FM), and Corrosion Control (CC) support on both USS Beloit (LCS 29) and USS Cooperstown (LCS 23).

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“What we christen today is not just a ship,” said David Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. “The USNS Lucy Stone is the embodiment of American unity and purpose – a beacon of freedom that will carry Lucy Stone’s legacy, and the legacy of America, all over the world.”

The ship is named for American suffragist Lucy Stone, who joined other notable advocates such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Ernestine Rose, and Antoinette Brown Blackwell to petition for suffrage and abolition in the 19th century. Her efforts as a founder of the Women’s National Loyal League were essential to the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment abolishing slavery.

General Dynamics NASSCO was initially awarded a contract to design and build the first nine ships of the T-AO program, the John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers. Last week, a new contract was signed by the U.S. Navy for the construction of up to eight additional John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers (T-AO 214 through 221), making the T-AO program the longest Navy production series in NASSCO history.

Designed to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy carrier strike group ships operating at sea, the 742-feet vessels have a full load displacement of 49,850 tons, with the capacity to carry 157,000 barrels of oil, a significant dry cargo capacity, aviation capability, and can sail at a speed of up to 20 knots. The first three ships in the class, the USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205), the USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206), and the USNS Earl Warren (T-AO 207) have all been delivered to the Navy. The USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO 208) goes on sea trials next month and the future USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210) and Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211) are currently under construction.

More information about NASSCO can be found at www.nassco.com. More information about General Dynamics can be found at www.generaldynamics.com.

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“This ship represents the embodiment of American unity and purpose; a beacon of freedom and hope that will carry Robert Simanek’s legacy to people all over the world,” said David Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. “On behalf of the eight thousand employees of General Dynamics NASSCO, I am proud to present the Robert E. Simanek for christening to our sponsor, Ms. Ann Simanek.”

The ship is named for Private First Class Robert Ernest Simanek, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for shielding fellow Marines from a grenade at the Battle of Bunker Hill during the Korean War. The Medal of Honor was presented to him by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in a White House ceremony in 1953.

The ESB ship class is a highly flexible platform designed to support multiple maritime-based missions.  ESB ships are mobile sea-based assets and are a part of the critical access infrastructure that supports the deployment of forces, equipment, supplies, and warfighting capability. These 784-foot ships are configured with a 52,000 square-foot flight deck to support MH-53, MH-60, MV-22 tilt-rotor, and H1 aircraft operations.

The USNS Hector A. Cafferata Jr. (ESB 8), the sixth ship in the ESB program, is scheduled to be christened in 2025. The first four ships in the ESB program – USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3), USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4), USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5), and USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) – have been delivered to the U.S. Navy.

More information about NASSCO can be found at nassco.com. More information about General Dynamics can be found at www.generaldynamics.com.

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January 9, 2024

NASSCO is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment. Since the beginning of this pandemic, the Company proactively adopted measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Within the last twenty-four business hours, the Company received notice that individuals recently working onsite tested positive for COVID-19.

Individuals testing positive for COVID-19 will not return to the worksite until it is safe for them to do so. The NASSCO Safety Department initiated the contact tracing process and will identify and communicate with those employees, if any, deemed to be a close contact (as defined by the CDC). For privacy reasons, the name of the individual(s) referenced above will remain undisclosed.

As a reminder, employees who may have been exposed to COVID-19, are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or have other issues related to COVID-19, may be entitled to certain time off and income replacement. The type, duration and amounts can vary depending on a variety of factors. Eligible employees may be entitled to an approved leave under the Family Medical Rights Act or the California Family Rights Act for their own serious health condition or that of certain family members or may seek approval for a personal leave of absence. In addition, income replacement benefits may be available including but not limited to short-term disability benefits for their own serious health condition, California Paid Family Leave or Workers Compensation benefits. Upon approval, employees may also use accrued paid time off in the event no other leave or income replacement is available. For leave and income replacement assistance related to COVID-19, please contact NASSCO Human Resources at HRCV19@nassco.com or (619) 544-8585.

In accordance with the Company’s non-discrimination, non-harassment and non-retaliation policy, the Company does not discriminate or retaliate against any employee who makes a claim or utilizes any of the foregoing time off or pay policies. In addition, the Company will not discriminate or retaliate against any employee who discloses a positive COVID-19 test, diagnosis, or order to quarantine or isolate.

If you have additional questions or concerns, we encourage you to speak with your supervisor and/or Human Resources.

COVID-19 Updates – NASSCO San Diego

January 8, 2024

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January 8, 2024

NASSCO is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment. Since the beginning of this pandemic, the Company proactively adopted measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Within the last twenty-four business hours, the Company received notice that individuals recently working onsite tested positive for COVID-19.

Individuals testing positive for COVID-19 will not return to the worksite until it is safe for them to do so. The NASSCO Safety Department initiated the contact tracing process and will identify and communicate with those employees, if any, deemed to be a close contact (as defined by the CDC). For privacy reasons, the name of the individual(s) referenced above will remain undisclosed.

As a reminder, employees who may have been exposed to COVID-19, are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or have other issues related to COVID-19, may be entitled to certain time off and income replacement. The type, duration and amounts can vary depending on a variety of factors. Eligible employees may be entitled to an approved leave under the Family Medical Rights Act or the California Family Rights Act for their own serious health condition or that of certain family members or may seek approval for a personal leave of absence. In addition, income replacement benefits may be available including but not limited to short-term disability benefits for their own serious health condition, California Paid Family Leave or Workers Compensation benefits. Upon approval, employees may also use accrued paid time off in the event no other leave or income replacement is available. For leave and income replacement assistance related to COVID-19, please contact NASSCO Human Resources at HRCV19@nassco.com or (619) 544-8585.

In accordance with the Company’s non-discrimination, non-harassment and non-retaliation policy, the Company does not discriminate or retaliate against any employee who makes a claim or utilizes any of the foregoing time off or pay policies. In addition, the Company will not discriminate or retaliate against any employee who discloses a positive COVID-19 test, diagnosis, or order to quarantine or isolate.

If you have additional questions or concerns, we encourage you to speak with your supervisor and/or Human Resources.

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