Which type of ship is primarily tasked with engaging in combat operations?

The correct answer is combatant. Combatant ships are specifically designed and armed for engaging in warfare and military operations. They include various types of vessels such as destroyers, frigates, cruisers, and aircraft carriers, all of which are equipped with weaponry and defensive systems to carry out combat missions effectively.

In contrast, auxiliary ships serve supportive roles, providing logistical support, refueling, and maintenance, which are critical for sustaining combatant forces but do not engage directly in battle. Support ships are similar in function to auxiliaries, focusing on enabling operations without direct combat involvement. Merchant ships are civilian vessels that transport cargo or passengers and are not equipped for military engagements, underscoring the specialized function of combatant ships in the naval hierarchy.