Fast combat support ship

The fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE-8) conducting a replenishment at sea

The fast combat support ship (US Navy hull classification symbol: AOE) is the United States Navy's largest combat logistics ship, designed as an oiler, ammunition and supply ship. All fast combat support ships currently in service are operated by Military Sealift Command. The AOE has the speed and armament to keep up with carrier battle groups. It receives petroleum products, ammunition and stores from shuttle ships and redistributes these items simultaneously to carrier battle group ships. This reduces the vulnerability of serviced ships by reducing alongside time.

The four ships of the Sacramento class were 53,000 at tons full load and carried two Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters. The Sacramento class, was retired in 2005.

The Supply class ships displace 48,800 tons full load and operate two Sikorsky MH-60S Knighthawk helicopters.

References

• AOE class at Naval Technology
• AOE class at US Navy Military Sealift Command
• AOE class at US Naval Vessel Register
• US Navy Military Sealift Command front page
• Extensive description and photos of AOE-1 Sacramento at Military Analysis Network (unofficial)

See also

• List of Military Sealift Command ships