July 17, 2021

Congresswoman Barbara Lee Joins Speaker Pelosi and House Colleagues on a Congressional Delegation to San Diego for the Christening of USNS John Lewis

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) joined Speaker Nancy Pelosi and members of Congress on a Congressional delegation to San Diego, CA to participate in the Christening Ceremony for USNS John Lewis. Congressmembers gathered to honor the life of Congressman Lewis one year after the Congressman’s passing.  

“It was a great honor and privilege to join my colleagues in commemorating the life of a true civil rights champion. Congressman John Lewis will forever live in our hearts and be remembered as a warrior for justice who was never afraid to stand up for what was right and create change by making ‘good trouble.’ I feel very blessed to have served alongside Congressman Lewis in the fight to create a more peaceful and equitable world.”

“In Congress, I will continue to honor Congressman Lewis by defending the Voting Rights Act, legislation he so passionately advocated for. As state officials continue to create threats to our sacred right to vote, we must pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act so that all Americans have the opportunity to have their voices heard in our democracy.”  

The USNS John Lewis is the lead ship of the John Lewis class T-AO oilers, which are designed to transfer fuel to the Navy’s carrier strike groups operating at sea.  The remaining oilers in the John Lewis class will be named after prominent civil rights leaders: USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206), USNS Earl Warren (T-AO 207), USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO 208), USNS Lucy Stone (T-AO 209) and USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210).

Video of the ceremony is available here.