As the final ship in the Expeditionary Sea Base program, Tuesday's delivery ceremony of the USNS Hector A. Cafferata Jr. (ESB 8) closed an incredible journey. From first designs to sea trials and now seeing her ready to serve, this ship reflects the dedication of thousands. Though production ends, her legacy — and the impact of your work — is just beginning. 🌊 #Shipbuilders

Yesterday, we said a proud farewell to the USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210) as she officially departed the NASSCO shipyard for her life of service with the Navy. 👋 If you peek into the background, you can spot her sister ship – the USNS Lucy Stone (T-AO 209) – which left our yard back in March. It’s an incredible visual reminder of our team’s relentless momentum and the growing impact we’re making out on the water. To the thousands of shipbuilders who built them both: seeing your hard work floating together out in the real world Is the ultimate reward. #NASSCObuilt

The USNS Hector A. Cafferata Jr. (ESB 8) wrapped up her acceptance trials, marking a massive milestone – not just for the ship, but for the entire Expeditionary Sea Base program. As the eighth and final ESB in production, watching her perform on the water during her multi-day trials was the ultimate payoff for years of relentless effort. Huge congratulations to the entire shipbuilding team, Navy personnel, and industry partners who brought this class from blueprint to reality. End of an era for production, but just the beginning for the fleet. #seatrials #NASSCObuilt

Today, NASSCO shipbuilders laid the foundation for the future USNS Dolores Huerta (T-AO 214) with the installation of its very first grand block! Every ship begins with a single step – and a lot of hard work. We look forward to showing this amazing ship come to life in the months ahead and the NASSCO shipbuilders who make it possible.

Another historic milestone is officially in the books! Today we celebrated the Start of Construction Ceremony for the future USNS Joshua L. Goldberg, the 11th T-AO in the John Lewis Fleet Oiler program.🎊 Born in Belarus during the reign of the Russian Empire, Goldberg would eventually become the first rabbi commissioned as a U.S. Navy chaplain. To mark the occasion, the ceremonial first cut of steel was made by longtime NASSCO employee, Arnold Patterson, Production Supervisor, Blast & Paint Dept. Arnold started his journey with us 33 years ago as a painter in the Blast & Paint Department. As he prepares to retire next year, he will finish his incredible career right where it all began – in the very same department. Thank you, Arnold, for over three decades of hard work, leadership, and expertise. We are honored to have you guide this new vessel as it begins to come to life! #NASSCObuilt #shipbuilding

Yesterday, NASSCO shipbuilders celebrated the keel laying for the future USNS Harriet Tubman (T-AO 213). To make the milestone truly unforgettable, we were joined by the ship’s sponsor, Ernestine “Tina” Martin Wyatt – the 3x great-grandniece of Harriet Tubman herself. Ms. Wyatt welded her initials onto a steel plate, permanently weaving her family’s historic dedication to justice and courage into the very backbone of this vessel. 💥 “As we lay the keel for this vessel that bears her name, we recognize that, like Harriet Tubman, this ship will embody the spirit of courage and freedom, forging the path to protect and uplift those in need wherever those missions may be,” said Mai Hansen, NASSCO T-AO Program Manager. “Guided by her spirit and dedication once we leave here today, NASSCO’s skilled shipbuilders will continue doing what they do best—working with passion and urgency to deliver these much-needed ships to the fleet.” Thank you to our incredible team and all who gathered for this ceremony! #NASSCOBuilt #HarrietTubman

Watching years of hard work hit the horizon! 🌊 The USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210) looked sharp during sea trials. Smooth sailing from the crew and big salute to the NASSCO team! #seatrials #NASSCObuilt

It has arrived...

NASSCO-San Diego after dark. 🌘✨ #shipbuilding #shiprepair

Our NASSCO Fire Department had a very successful Burn Institute Boot Drive, raising $3,634.47 to support burn survivors during their recovery journey. Thanks to all who contributed - your efforts help to sustain vital burn prevention programs for the future. 🔥 #sdbootdrive #NASSCOFirefighters #burninstitute

The Hector A. Cafferata Jr. is the last ship of the ESB class and it’s a shining example of what design innovation can ultimately achieve. I am extremely proud of our team for their exceptional work, craftsmanship and dedication to this program and will miss looking out over the shipyard to see this imposing, one-of-a kind creation." Dave Carver, President of General Dynamics NASSCO; (3/7/2026) *Christening Ceremony, USNS Hector A. Cafferata Jr. (ESB 8)

Farewell to the USNS Lucy Stone (T-AO 209) as she officially departs the NASSCO shipyard to begin her service life with the Navy. 👋 Seeing her head out into San Diego Bay is the ultimate reward for thousands of shipbuilders who brought her to life. #NASSCObuilt

General Dynamics NASSCO has christened the USNS Hector A. Cafferata Jr. (ESB 8), the sixth and final ship in the U.S. Navy's Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) program. The vessel honors the extraordinary heroism of Private First Class Hector A. Cafferata Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient, for his courageous actions during the Korean War's Battle of Chosin Reservoir. The christening ceremony featured remarks by Sergeant Major Carlos A. Ruiz, as well as representatives from NASSCO, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Marine Corps. In a touching moment, ship sponsors Heather Cafferata and Jessica Cafferata, daughter and granddaughter of the ship’s namesake, officially christened the vessel with the traditional champagne bottle break. 🍾 “Ships are not just steel and machinery—they carry legacies, and they connect past generations to future ones,” said David Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. "The remarkable story of valor and sacrifice of Hector Cafferata Jr. will soon sail across the globe, carried by a ship that embodies his courage and dedication." The USNS Hector A. Cafferata Jr. joins its predecessors, USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3), USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4), USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5), USS John L. Canley (ESB 6), and USNS Robert E. Simanek (ESB 7), in serving the U.S. Navy's critical global mission. See more photos here: flickr.com/photos/generaldyn… #NASSCO #USNavy #ESB #MaritimeInnovation #LegacyOfValor #shipbuilding #NASSCOBuilt #USNavy

Junkyard Wars 2026 just reached a new level of intensity. This year, our NASSCO engineering teams weren’t just building for speed – they were building Mine Sweepers. Powered by a few AA batteries and a whole lot of ‘junk,’ these machines proved that our engineers can handle any obstacle put in their path. From spare parts to tactical maneuvers, the ingenuity was on display during #NationalEningeersWeek. Congratulations to Team Guzzolene for navigating the chaos and securing the win! 🏆

History in the making. ⚓ We are proud to announce that the USS America (LHA 6) has officially christened our brand-new floating dry dock. Seeing this incredible amphibious assault ship transition into our facility marks a new chapter for our operations and our commitment to supporting the fleet. A huge shoutout to our team for a smooth docking. Here’s to many more! #repair #USNavy

Today, we took a monumental step in the construction of the future USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg (T-AO 212) with the formal laying of her keel. As the eighth ship in the John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler program, this vessel is more than just steel – it is a tribute to a pioneer of equality and a titan of the Supreme Court. ⚖️ We were honored to have Ms. Jane Ginsburg, daughter of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, join our skilled NASSCO welders to authenticate the keel, permanently etching a legacy of justice into the ship’s backbone. We are grateful for everyone who joined the NASSCO shipbuilders to mark this milestone in the life of the future USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg (T-AO 212). #NASSCOBuilt #ruthbaderginsburg

Moving into the weekend! ✌ #NASSCO #shipbuilding

Today, we celebrated the Start of Construction ceremony for the future USNS Dolores Huerta (T-AO 214), the tenth ship in the John Lewis-class fleet oiler program. 🎉 The ship is named after one of the most influential labor activists of the 20th century and leader of the Chicano civil rights movement. Commemorating the occasion with the first ceremonial cut of steel – a NASSCO tradition that signals the beginning of a ship’s journey – was longtime NASSCO employee Veronica Bernal, Manager Employee & Labor Relations. This moment not only marks the birth of a new vessel, but also recognizes Veronica’s incredible service and commitment to NASSCO. Our shipbuilders are the backbone of everything we do, and their work drives every milestone we achieve. #NASSCObuilt #shipbuilding