US Navy exercises options for two more replenishment oilers for $1.7b

The 742-foot-long (226-metre-long) vessels are designed to transfer fuel to US Navy ships operating at sea. They have a full load displacement of 49,850 tons, a capacity to carry 162,000 barrels of oil, and can travel at speeds up to 20 knots (37 kilometres per hour).

"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.