Fast combat support ship

thumb|The fast combat support ship USNS Rainier (T-AOE-7), underway in the Western Pacific, circa 2004

thumb|Chinese PLAN fast combat support ship Hulunhu (965) in the [[Pacific Ocean]]

The fast combat support ship (US Navy hull classification symbol: AOE) is a type of replenishment auxiliary ship. Different from traditional logistic ships, the fast combat support ship is designed with high speed to keep up with the carrier battle group/carrier strike group, while the multi-product station is capable of supplying all types of necessities for the fleet.

History

US Navy

The fast combat support ship is designed to perform the functions of three old logistic ship types in one hull - fleet oiler (AO), ammunition ship (AE), and refrigerated stores ship (AF). Aside from supplying ships, fast combat support ships need the speed, weapons, sensors, and communications equipment, to serve as an integrated component of the carrier strike battle group. The concept of fast combat support ship was envisioned by United States Navy admiral Arleigh Burke, who laid out the concept as the solution to logistics problems he encountered in World War II.

The first class of the fast combat support ship was the , built with multi-product supply stations, the largest fuel capacity, and the largest ammunition capacity in the US Navy at the time. The four ships of the Sacramento-class were 53,000 tons at full load, 796 feet overall length, and carried two Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters. The Sacramento-class was retired in 2005.

Air defense includes the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow radar and infrared surface-to-air missile in eight-cell launchers to provide point defense with 15km to 25km range. There are also two 20mm Phalanx CIWS (close-in weapon systems) and two Mk38 25mm cannons. All Supply-class combat support ships were commissioned until 2001, and then were transferred to Military Sealift Command.

As of early 2023, USNS Rainier and USNS Bridge have been taken out of service and struck. Along with the remaining two Supply-class ships, US Navy fleets are currently supplied by s as well as and s.

PLA Navy

In the 21st century, China also developed the Type 901 fast combat support ship, which serves a similar mission in their navy.

List of fast combat support ships

United States

China

Type 901 fast combat support ship (NATO reporting name: Fuyu-class)
PLAN Hulunhu (901)
PLAN Chaganhu (905)

References

External links

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)