AFS (Afloat Forward Staging Base)

An Afloat Forward Staging Base (AFSB) is a specialized maritime platform, usually a large ship, that acts as a mobile support hub for military operations at sea. It provides supplies, maintenance, command facilities, and logistical support to smaller ships and aircraft engaged in missions. Essentially, it functions like a floating logistics center, enabling forces to operate farther from fixed bases, extend their reach, and maintain sustained operations without needing to return to land. This flexibility enhances the military’s ability to project power, respond quickly, and sustain presence in remote or contested areas.