In starship classification, a support ship or support vessel was a type of starship that was used to support capital ships.
In the 2260s of the alternate reality, information on Starfleet operated support vessels was located in the Federation database. (Star Trek Beyond)
In 2375, when the USS Voyager was combatting the Hazari, Kurros advised Captain Kathryn Janeway that her best bet would be to attack the support ship, since they attack in pairs, so that one ship can reinforce the shields of the attacking vessel. (VOY: "Think Tank")
California-class ships were support ships
California-class starships were generally considered support ships during the late 24th century. In 2381, Ensign Kearns of the USS Carlsbad viewed the USS Cerritos as "the Enterprise of the support ships." (LD: "Mining The Mind's Mines")
In 2384, Jankom Pog identified the Infinity as an experimental Federation support courier. (PRO: "Into the Breach, Part I")
In 3191, the Merian-class starships USS Mitchell and USS Locherer served as support ships in the USS Discovery's mission to find the Progenitors' technology. In particular, the Mitchell was placed on standby to continue Discovery's mission should it become necessary. (DIS: "Whistlespeak", "Erigah")
Support ships by species
- Andorian cruiser
- Federation cruiser