NASSCO christens USNS Thurgood Marshall

The official christening moment happened when the ship's -sponsors, Melonie Tibbs and Cecilia Marshall, granddaughters of Thurgood Marshall and Dr. Alissa Kamens, Marshall’s granddaughter-in-law, broke a bottle of champagne against the ship’s hull. [Photo: NASSCO]

General Dynamics NASSCO, San Diego, last week christened and launched the USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211), the seventh ship in U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command fleet oiler program.

The ship is named in honor of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, serving from 1967 to 1991. Marshall made history as the first black justice to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court when he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 1967 and served on the court for 25 years.

Maj. Gen. David Bligh, Judge Advocate General of the Navy, representing the Secretary of the Navy, served as the principal speaker at the ceremony.

“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 Bligh. “There is a vital link between our defense industrial base and the effectiveness of our fighting men and women around the world.”

Remarks were also delivered by NASSCO President Dave Carver and representatives of the Navy.
“What we christen tonight is not just a ship — it’s the embodiment of American unity that will carry Thurgood Marshall’s legacy, and the legacy of America, all over the world,” said Carver. “His name on the hull of this ship reminds us that service takes many forms — and that truth, courage, and conviction must always guide our mission.”

The official christening moment happened when the ship’s -sponsors, Melonie Tibbs and Cecilia Marshall, granddaughters of Thurgood Marshall and Dr. Alissa Kamens, Marshall’s granddaughter-in-law, broke a bottle of champagne against the ship’s hull with the words, “For the United States of America, I christen you the USNS Thurgood Marshall. May God bless this ship and all who sail on her.”

Fleet oilers serve as a supply lifeline for U.S. Navy vessels carrying out missions across the globe, including in the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and beyond. Built for underway replenishment, the oilers transfer fuel, lubricants, fresh water, and small amounts of dry cargo as part of the Navy’s combat logistics force.

NASSCO designs all new vessels with double hulls to protect against oil spills and to enhance the durability of cargo and ballast tanks. The vessels measure 746 feet long, with a full load displacement of 49,850 tons. Each can carry 157,000 barrels of oil, along with significant dry cargo and aviation capability, and can reach a top speed of 20 knots.

“To the men and women of General Dynamics NASSCO, your work directly contributes to this nation’s security,” said Vice Adm. Douglas Verissimo, representing the Chief of Naval Operations. “Your professionalism matters. You have not simply constructed a vessel — you have delivered operational capability and I truly thank you.”

The first five ships in the class — USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205), USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206), USNS Earl Warren (T-AO 207), USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO 208), and USNS Lucy Stone (T-AO 209) — have all been delivered to the Navy. The USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210) recently completed successful sea trials and is set to be delivered on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. The USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211), USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg (T-AO 212), USNS Harriet Tubman (T-AO 213) and USNS Dolores Huerta (T-AO 214) are currently under construction.