The U.S. Navy has numerous battleships to protect its coasts and enforce peace worldwide. These designations consist of abbreviations, often a combination of letters and numbers, that encapsulate a ship’s mission, capability, and classification. This system ensures efficiency in organizing and deploying naval assets, allowing for better operational strategy and resource management.
Expand your understanding of U.S. Navy ship designations as you prepare for your trip to Pearl Harbor.
Battleships were once the dominant force in naval warfare. They were designed for heavy combat and carried extensive artillery. The Navy commissioned ships with overwhelming firepower when manufacturing battleships during both World Wars so they could take a defensive and offensive stance. Some ships even had artillery, such as 16-inch guns capable of firing over 20 miles.
Iconic battleships, such as USS Arizona (BB-39) and USS Missouri (BB-63), played pivotal roles in North American military history. However, advances in military technology and the rise of air power diminished their relevance. By the mid-20th century, the U.S. Navy transitioned to aircraft carriers and other modern ships, marking the end of the battleship era.
The USS Arizona and USS Missouri are now memorial ships, with the Arizona serving as a tribute to those who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor and the Missouri serving as a museum ship in honor of its role in World War II.
Aircraft act as floating airbases, capable of launching and recovering fighter jets, bombers, and reconnaissance aircraft. Aircraft carriers may also be essential in natural disasters since they can transport jets or helicopters across seas; these aircraft can aid inland locations that may otherwise be hard to reach.
Traditional aircraft carriers, such as the USS Enterprise (CV-6), were essential during WWII; this ship earned the nickname “The Big E” because it was the most decorated U.S. naval vessel of World War II. The USS Lexington (CV-2) was the first U.S. aircraft carrier to be sunk by enemy action. Although the USS Lexington sank, it helped halt Japanese advances when it engaged in the Battle of Coral Sea.
Light cruisers were smaller, faster alternatives to heavy cruisers designed for fleet escort and reconnaissance missions. Thanks to their speed, the navy could maneuver them through the ocean during intense battles with other ships ahead and potentially submarines below.
One notable example is USS Cleveland (CL-55), which performed escort and bombardment duties during World War II. This ship was a Brooklyn class light cruiser, meaning it had 15 guns, five of which were dual-purpose anti-aircraft guns.
Destroyers are versatile warships crucial in protecting larger vessels and engaging enemy submarines. They have sophisticated weaponry, such as missiles and torpedoes, to counter multiple threats, including surface ships and aircraft. The evolution of destroyers has enabled them to perform complex, multi-role functions in naval operations.
During WWII, the U.S. military had several destroyers, including the USS Fletcher (44-445), USS Johnston (DD-557), and USS O’Brannon (DD-450). These battleships were pivotal in protecting larger ships from enemy attacks and engaging enemy destroyers and torpedo boats.
A destroyer escort is a smaller, lightly armed warship that often accompanies trade and merchant ships going through dangerous waters. Their primary mission was to protect convoys from submarine attacks, which were critical in securing maritime supply lines during World War II. Interestingly, the U.S. Navy reclassed many destroyer escorts FF or FFG (freights) in 1975.
The USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413) was a World War II DE that aided in the Battle of Samar, fighting with the energy of a battleship. The USS Buckley (DE-51) was another WWII destroyer escort that gained some notoriety when it rammed and sank a German U-boat.
Repair ships (AR) perform maintenance and emergency repairs on other vessels, often while at sea. This function ensures that damaged ships can quickly return to combat readiness, minimizing downtime and maintaining fleet strength.
For instance, USS Vestal (AR-4) provided critical repairs during the Pearl Harbor attack, allowing several ships to return to service. While modern navies rely more on shore-based facilities, repair ships remain valuable for expeditionary missions and operations in remote regions.
The designation “SS” refers to conventionally powered submarines that operate underwater for extended periods. These submarines are integral to naval operations, performing reconnaissance, covert intelligence gathering, and direct combat tasks. Submarines serve as a stealthy and strategic asset, adding depth to naval warfare.
Historically, German U-boats during World War II illustrated the effectiveness of submarine warfare. U.S. submarines, such as USS Nautilus (SS-168), were significant in disrupting enemy supply chains.
The designation “USS” refers to commissioned Navy vessels, signifying that a ship is part of the active fleet. These ships undergo a formal commissioning process, during which they are officially named and granted their status. The designation represents the ship’s commitment to serving the United States Navy.
You can view many USS ships at Pearl Harbor, including the USS Missouri, which sunk during the attack in 1941. It is now a memorial, and you can take a tour inside to learn more about the history of the ship and its crew. The USS Bowfin is also a popular attraction, a World War II submarine that has been turned into a museum.
If you love history, booking a USS Missouri battleship tour is a great way to learn more about the Pearl Harbor attack and the role of this ship in World War II. You can also take a guided tour of the USS Bowfin submarine, USS Oklahoma, and other WWII artifacts at the military base.
All the named battleships have a number after the designation—i.e., USS Lexington (CV-2)—which also helps classify ships. The number relates to the ship’s type or class.
For example, CV stands for “aircraft carrier,” and the number after the hyphen signifies which ship in that class it is; while the USS Lexington was the second aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy, the USS Enterprise (CV-6) was the sixth. This system applies to all battleship designations, making it easier to identify the characteristics and capabilities of each ship.
Understanding U.S. Navy ship designations unveils the capabilities and limitations of each type of ship. These designations reflect the specific roles and capabilities of each ship and highlight the complex logistical network that enables successful naval missions worldwide. By recognizing each type of ship’s unique contributions, we can better understand how the U.S. Navy operates and maintains its presence on the seas.
Visiting Pearl Harbor in Hawaii is necessary if you want to learn more about naval ships and their designations.
Pearlharbortour.org offers guided tours of the top naval ships at Pearl Harbor, allowing visitors to see these incredible vessels up close and learn about their history. This historic site allows visitors to tour multiple types of ships, including battleships, aircraft carriers, and destroyers. Plan your visit to Pearl Harbor and get an up-close view of these impressive naval ships.