Ordered 22 November 1983 Construction started 15 July 1985 Length 206 m | Laid down 15 July 1985 Launched 9 August 1986 Builder Avondale Shipyard | |
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Namesake John Lenthall (1807-1882), an American naval architect and shipbuilder In service 25 July 1987-11 November 1996 and 7 December 1998-present Out of service 11 November 1996-7 December 1998 Status Active service in Military Sealift Command | ||
USNS John Lenthall (T-AO-189) is a Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler of the United States Navy. Her motto is "Shaft of the Spear."
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Construction and delivery
John Lenthall, the third ship of the Henry J. Kaiser class, was laid down at Avondale Shipyard, Inc., at New Orleans, Louisiana, on 15 July 1985 and launched on 9 August 1986. After entering non-commissioned U.S. Navy service with a primarily civilian crew on 25 July 1987.
1987-1996
John Lenthall served in the United States Atlantic Fleet under MSC control until taken out of active service on 11 November 1996 and placed in reserve.
1998-Present
John Lenthall was reactivated on 7 December 1998, and is in active service in the Atlantic Fleet.
On 17 April 2004, a merchant ship lost steering control while departing Valletta, Malta, and collided with another ship before striking John Lenthall broadside while she was pierside undergoing maintenance. No one aboard John Lenthall suffered injuries, and she sustained only limited damage to outside structures and equipment.
On 23 September 2008 John Lenthall was shadowed by suspected pirates. They fled after she fired several warning shots in their vicinity.