What are the largest and most powerful auxiliary ships in the US Navy?

Fast combat support ships (AOEs) are indeed the largest and most powerful auxiliary ships in the US Navy. These vessels provide a critical support role, equipped to carry a wide range of supplies, including ammunition, fuel, and stores essential for sustaining naval operations. Their versatility allows them to support carrier strike groups and surface action groups with rapid replenishment at sea, ensuring that combat vessels remain operational without needing to return to port.

In terms of capacity and function, AOEs are designed to operate alongside combat ships and can conduct replenishment operations for multiple vessels simultaneously, making them indispensable in extended operations. Other auxiliary ships may serve specific functions, but none combine the sheer size, fuel capacity, and operational versatility of the fast combat support ships. This enables the US Navy to maintain a continuous forward presence globally, enhancing its operational effectiveness.