San Diego-based General Dynamics NASSCO has been retained to construct a ninth vessel in the U.S. Navy’s John Lewis-class fleet oiler program. The company announced May 23 that its current contract of eight ships with the Navy has been modified to allow for the building of an additional ship at a cost of $736 million.  “NASSCO is proud of our ongoing dedication to deliver these ships to the fleet,” General Dynamics NASSCO President Dave Carver said. “We are committed to working with our Navy partners to ensure the continued success of the John Lewis-class fleet oiler program.” Construction of the…