Mashū-class replenishment ship explained

The Mashū class is a series of replenishment oilers of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. They were built from 2002 to 2004. The ships have the hull designator AOE.^[1]

The Mashū class was designed as an enlarged, improved version of the Towada-class fast combat support ships. The vessels are capable of mounting 2 Phalanx CIWS by design. They are in commission from 2004 onwards.^[2]

List of ships

Name	Number	Laid down	Launched	Completed	Commissioned	Homeport	Status
Mashū (ましゅう)	AOE-425	21 January 2002	5 February 2003	15 March 2004	3 April 2006	Maizuru	Active
Ōmi (おうみ)	AOE-426	7 February 2003	19 February 2004	3 March 2005	3 April 2006	Yokosuka	Active

Notes and References

1. Book: Wertheim. Eric. The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World, 16th Edition. 2013. Naval Institute Press. 978-1591149545. 377.
2. Web site: Materials of IJN (JMSDF Vessels - Mashu class Combat support ships). 2020-10-01. admiral31.world.coocan.jp.