Also known in naval circles as the mother ship, the fleet carrier is a transport and launch facility for heavy fighters. Its main purpose is the carriage of heavy fighters across interstellar distances to the site of battle. In peace, the fleet carrier is a mobile port and repair facility for its brood; in war, it is a formidable fleet element to be respected.

The fleet carrier is an example of the continuing evolution of starship functions. In this case, it represents a splitting off of the fighter carrier operations of older battleships, placing the responsibilities all in a single ship designed for the purpose. Where once a large dreadnaught would carry regiments of troops, phalanxes of fighters, and myriad weapons mounts, current practice is to split these various tasks into individual ships. Naval doctrine is to carry troops on troop transports, fighters on fighter carriers, and large weapons for the line of battle on battleships.

Class Names: The Antiama class fleet carriers are named for empresses and consorts from Imperial history.