Flames broke out on a huge Navy warship under construction at a San Diego shipyard, sending fire crews racing to the scene.
SDFRD officials said emergency crews rushed to the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard at 2798 Harbor Drive just after 8:30 pm Saturday.
The blaze broke out aboard the future USNS Harriet Tubman — a John Lewis-class fleet oiler under construction since last year.
Over 80 firefighters battled the blaze, and after nearly three hours, SDFRD announced the situation was under control.
“At approximately 8:30 p.m. on Saturday evening, a fire was reported onboard a ship currently under construction in the NASSCO graving dock. NASSCO Fire Department was first to respond, followed by several units from outside the shipyard,” the company said in a statement Sunday.
“No injuries were reported and the fire was subdued shortly after. The cause is currently under review. Damage is minimal, with gymnasium/workout equipment being mostly affected.”
In 2016, the U.S. Navy awarded NASSCO a contract to design and construct the next generation of fleet oilers, which are intended to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy carrier strike group vessels operating at sea.
These 742-foot vessels have a full load displacement of 49,850 tons and can carry 157,000 barrels of oil. They also possess significant dry cargo capacity, aviation capability, and can reach speeds of up to 20 knots.
Other ships in the same class as the USNS Harriet Tubman include the USNS John Lewis, USNS Harvey Milk, USNS Earl Warren, USNS Robert F. Kennedy, USNS Lucy Stone, and USNS Sojourner Truth, CBS 8 reported.
