Fast Combat Support Ships.—The fast combat
support ship (AOE) is the largest and most powerful
auxiliary ship in the Navy. Unlike other replenishment
ships, the AOE is designed to operate as an integral
force rather than as a unit of an underway replenishment
group.
The AOE (fig. 8-36) is a multiple-product ship
(missiles, fuel, ammunition, and general cargo) that has
a cargo-fuel capacity greater than that of our largest
fleet oilers plus a hold capacity equal to the largest
ammunition ship. In addition, the ship carries a large
load of both general supplies, materials, and
refrigerated cargo.
Other than speed and capacity, this ship has two
major areas of improvement over other replenishment
vessels—material handling and replenishment at sea.
Materials, other than missiles and special weapons, are
moved vertically by elevators or conveyors. Horizontal
movement of general cargo and ammunition is
mechanized through the use of pallet transporters and
forklift trucks. Cargo helicopters are available to
8-29
Figure 8-34.—An AE highlines a missile to a guided-missile ship during replenishment at sea.
Student Notes:
