Fire breaks out on Navy oiler under construction at San Diego shipyard
A fire started Saturday evening aboard the USNS Harriet Tubman at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard. Over 80 firefighters responded and brought the blaze under control after nearly three hours.
nypost.comA fire started Saturday evening aboard the USNS Harriet Tubman, a John Lewis-class fleet oiler under construction at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. m. The NASSCO Fire Department responded first, followed by additional units from outside the shipyard.
Over 80 firefighters battled the blaze for nearly three hours before officials announced the situation was under control.
Ship details and background The 742-foot vessel has a full-load displacement of 49,850 tons and can carry 157,000 barrels of oil. It also has dry cargo capacity, aviation capability, and a top speed of 20 knots. In 2016 the U.S. Navy awarded NASSCO a contract to design and build the next generation of fleet oilers intended to refuel carrier strike groups at sea.
Damage and response A company statement said no injuries were reported and damage was minimal, mostly affecting gymnasium and workout equipment. The cause remains under review. Other ships in the same class include the USNS John Lewis, USNS Harvey Milk, USNS Earl Warren, USNS Robert F. Kennedy, USNS Lucy Stone, and USNS Sojourner Truth.
