Fairbanks Morse Defense supplying main propulsion engines for future USNS Dolores Huerta

Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD), a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management, has been awarded a contract by General Dynamics NASSCO to build and deliver the main propulsion diesel engines for the Military Sealift Command’s future USNS Dolores Huerta (T-AO 214). 

“Fairbanks Morse Defense understands that victory at sea begins in the engine room. Over the years, we’ve been honored to work with the military in delivering reliable engines built on proven technology, and we hold that responsibility with the utmost seriousness,” says George Whittier, CEO of Fairbanks Morse Defense. “Our commitment remains steadfast: to equip every ship in the U.S. fleet with the most advanced equipment and technologies, ensuring our sailors can successfully fulfill their mission to protect the freedom of the seas.”

The USNS Dolores Huerta is the 10th vessel in the John Lewis-class of fleet replenishment oilers. It will be powered by two 12V 48/60 CR main propulsion engines and two 71 32/44 CR service diesel engines, all manufactured at FMD’s Beloit, Wisconsin facility. Each engine will feature FMD’s common rail fuel injection system, which improves fuel atomization and combustion efficiency.

Engine delivery for the USNS Dolores Huerta is scheduled for late 2026. Fairbanks Morse Defense has previously supplied engines for T-AO 205 through T-AO 211 and is currently working on engines for T-AO 212 and T-AO 213.

John Lewis-class oilers, also known as T-AO 205-class, have the capacity to carry 162,000 barrels of oil and a significant amount of dry cargo, providing vital fuel supplies to the U.S. Navy’s carrier strike groups. The ships in this class are named after civil rights leaders such as John Lewis, Harvey Milk, Robert F. Kennedy, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Sojourner Truth. T-AO 214 is named in honor of Dolores Huerta, a prominent labor leader and civil rights activist who, alongside Cesar Chavez, played a pivotal role in the farmworkers’ labor movement in the 20th century. 

Manufactured in the U.S. and serviced worldwide, FMD's proven marine technology is engineered for excellence to ensure reliable operation, extended asset lifecycles, and minimal downtime. In addition to delivering its power and propulsion systems, the Navy and Military Sealift Command have repeatedly selected the defense supplier to provide mission-critical marine technology, turnkey services, and OEM parts throughout the fleet.