Keel Laid for Future USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg

The ship's namesake was a longtime advocate for justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The keel for the future USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg (T-AO 212) was authenticated at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, marking a major construction milestone for the John Lewis-class replenishment oiler. The ship's sponsor, Jane Ginsburg, daughter of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, welded her initials onto a steel plate that will be permanently affixed to the ship's hull.

Why it matters

The USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg will be a critical component of the Navy's Combat Logistics Force, providing fuel, supplies, and provisions to enable warships to remain at sea for extended periods and sustain global missions. The ship's namesake was a trailblazing Supreme Court Justice who served for 27 years and was a lifelong advocate for justice.

The details

The keel laying authentication ceremony is a centuries-old tradition marking the transition of a ship from design to reality. The John Lewis-class replenishment oilers are 746-foot vessels engineered to carry up to 162,000 barrels of diesel ship fuel, jet fuel, and other cargo, enabling the Navy's warships to remain at sea for extended periods.

  • The keel for the future USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg was authenticated on February 13, 2026.

The players

USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg

A future John Lewis-class replenishment oiler that will be a critical component of the Navy's Combat Logistics Force.

Jane Ginsburg

The ship's sponsor and daughter of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

John Lighthammer

The program manager for the Auxiliary and Special Mission Shipbuilding Program Office.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

A former U.S. Supreme Court Justice who served for 27 years and was a lifelong advocate for justice.

General Dynamics NASSCO

The shipyard where the keel for the USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg was authenticated.

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What they’re saying

“This keel laying marks the first of many significant milestones for this ship and we are excited to bring this vessel to the Fleet.”

— John Lighthammer, Program Manager, Auxiliary and Special Mission Shipbuilding Program Office

The takeaway

The USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg will honor the legacy of a trailblazing Supreme Court Justice while serving as a critical component of the Navy's logistics capabilities, enabling warships to remain at sea for extended periods and sustain global missions.