What does AE and AOE stand for?

US Navy ships that have the designation of AE and AOE (or T-AOE) are supply ships that carry ammunition. AEs carry only ammunition and AOEs carry ammunition, food and fuel for the fleet.

AEs or Ammunition Ships keep the fleet supplied with ammunition and ordnance, independently or with other combat logistic ships. Ammunition is delivered by slings on ship-to-ship cables, and by helicopters.

AOEs or Fast Combat Support Ships are the Navy’s largest combat logistics ships. They are designed as oiler, ammunition and supply ship and their main task is to operate as part of a carrier battle group (CVBG) providing goods to the battle group units.