[1] The class will comprise twenty oilers which will be operated by Military Sealift Command to provide underway replenishment of fuel and limited amounts of dry cargo to United States Navy carrier strike groups, amphibious ready groups, and other surface forces, to allow them to operate worldwide.

[5] There are stations on both sides of each ship for underway replenishment of fuel and stores, and will have two dry cargo transfer rigs.

Even with additional self-defense systems installed the ships will still require escort if operating in a higher threat environment.

[4] In June 2016, General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) was awarded a design and construction contract for six John Lewis-class replenishment oilers.

[4] In September of 2024, General Dynamics was awarded a contract for eight additional John Lewis-class ships, to be delivered by January of 2035.