Osprey (MHC 51) class ships are also designed as
mine hunter-killers. The MHC 51 has a 15-day
endurance and depends on a support ship or shore-based
facilities for resupply. Ships under this class are named
after birds.
REVIEW 4 QUESTIONS
Q1. List the four categories of ships.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Q2. List the six classes of warships.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Q3. What are battleships names after?
Q4. Name the two basic classes of cruisers.
a.
b.
Q5. For protection, the destroyer depends on their
_____________ and _____________.
Q6. What class of ship was developed for the purpose
of open ocean escort and patrol?
Q7. Name the two classes of submarines.
a.
b.
Q8. What class of ship is used to land large numbers
of personnel, equipment, and supplies on enemy
held territory?
Auxiliary Ships
Today’s fleet is highly mobile and can respond to an
area of conflict quickly. However, its ships cannot
remain on station indefinitely. There must be a means of
resupply and repair. The auxiliary ships of today’s fleet
are the lifeline to the combatant force. These ships keep
the fleet operating by furnishing vital supplies and
repair facilities. They can deliver such items as fuel,
food, ammunition, and repair parts.
The types of ships in the auxiliary force range from
fast combat support ships (AOEs) to rescue and salvage
ships (ARSs). The type of service an auxiliary provides
determines its classification. The initial letter in each
designation is the letter A. The second and subsequent
letter indicates the service it performs. An AE indicates
an ammunition (explosives) supply ship, while an AO is
an oiler. These types of ships do not always receive the
level of publicity a carrier or cruiser might receive, but
they fight and work just as hard in times of emergency.
Certain classes of auxiliaries have the capability to
function in many roles. An AOE is capable of supplying
not only fuel and ammunition but can supply dry stores
and refrigerated stores.
8-26
Student Notes:
