The USNS John Lenthall (T-AO-189) is a Henry J. Kaiser-class replenishment oiler operated by the United States Navy. Built to support naval operations, the ship was constructed at Avondale Shipyard in New Orleans, Louisiana, with construction beginning on 15 July 1985 and launching on 9 August 1986. She was designed to carry fuel and supplies necessary for underway replenishment, ensuring the operational reach of U.S. Navy vessels at sea. The vessel entered non-commissioned service on 25 July 1987, operated primarily with a civilian crew. Her initial deployment was under the control of the Military Sealift Command within the Atlantic Fleet, where she supported fleet operations until she was taken out of active service on 11 November 1996 and placed in reserve. However, she was reactivated on 7 December 1998 and resumed active operations, continuing to serve the Atlantic Fleet. The USNS John Lenthall has been involved in several notable events. On 17 April 2004, while undergoing maintenance at Valletta, Malta, she was struck broadside by a merchant ship that had lost steering control and collided with another vessel. Fortunately, no personnel were injured, and damage was limited to external structures and equipment. In 2008, she was involved in a security incident when suspected pirates shadowed her, prompting her to fire warning shots and causing the pirates to flee. More recently, on 9 March 2021, the John Lenthall provided underway replenishment to the Italian aircraft carrier Cavour in the Western Atlantic Ocean, exemplifying her ongoing role in supporting allied naval operations. The ship's motto, "Shaft of the Spear," reflects her vital role in maintaining naval readiness and power projection at sea.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.