Hull classification symbol

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The United States Navy uses hull classification symbols (sometimes called hull codes) to identify the types of its ships. The Royal Navy and some European and Commonwealth navies use a somewhat analogous system of Pennant numbers.

The combination of symbol and hull number identify a modern Navy ship uniquely. A heavily modified or repurposed ship may receive a new symbol, and either retain the hull number or receive a new one. Also, the system of symbols has changed a number of times since it was introduced in 1907, so ships' symbols sometimes change without anything being done to the physical ship.[1]

Many of the symbols listed here are not presently in use. The Naval Vessel Register maintains an online database of US Navy ships.

The 1975 ship reclassification of cruisers, frigates, and ocean escorts brought US Navy classifications into line with other nations' classifications, and eliminated the perceived "cruiser gap" with the Soviet Navy.

If a ship's hull classification symbol begins with "W," it is a ship of the United States Coast Guard. If it begins with "T-", it is part of the Military Sealift Command and has a primarily civilian crew.

Contents

Warships are designed to participate in combat operations.

Aircraft carriers are ships designed primarily for the purpose of conducting combat operations by aircraft which engage in attacks against airborne, surface, sub-surface and shore targets. Contrary to popular belief, the "CV" hull classification symbol does not stand for "Carrier Vessel". The "CV" designation was originally derived from cruisers, since aircraft carriers were seen as an extension of the sea control and denial mission of cruisers. The "V" designation for heavier-than-air craft comes from the French verb voler (to fly).[2] Since 1935, "CV" has been a two-letter, unitary hull classification symbol meaning "aircraft carrier." Aircraft carriers are designated in two sequences: the first sequence runs from CV-1 USS Langley to the very latest ships, and the second sequence, "CVE" for escort carriers, ran from CVE-1 Long Island to CVE-128 Okinawa before being discontinued.

  • AV: Seaplane Tender (retired)
  • AVG: Auxiliary Aircraft Ferry (Escort carrier) (1941-2)
  • AVD: Seaplane Tender Destroyer (retired)
  • AVP: Seaplane Tender, Small (retired)
  • ACV: Auxiliary Aircraft Carrier (Escort carrier) (1942)
  • CV: Fleet Aircraft Carrier (1921-1975), Multi-purpose Aircraft Carrier (1975-present)
  • CVA: Attack Aircraft Carrier (category merged into CV, 30 June 1975)
  • CVAN: Attack Aircraft Carrier, Nuclear (category merged into CVN, 30 June 1975)
  • CVB: Large Aircraft Carrier (category merged into CVA, 1952)
  • CVE: Escort aircraft carrier (retired) (1943-retirement of type)
  • CVHA: Assault Helicopter Aircraft Carrier (retired in favor of several LH-series amphibious assault ship hull codes)
  • CVHE: Escort Helicopter Aircraft Carrier (retired)
  • CVL: Light aircraft carrier (retired)
  • CVN: Multi-purpose Aircraft Carrier (Nuclear-Propulsion)
  • CVS: Antisubmarine Aircraft Carrier (retired)
  • CVT: Training Aircraft Carrier (changed to AVT (Auxiliary))
  • CVU: Utility Aircraft Carrier (retired)

Surface combatants are ships which are designed primarily to engage enemy forces on the high seas. The primary surface combatants are battleships, cruisers and destroyers. Battleships are very heavily armed and armored; cruisers moderately so; destroyers and smaller warships, less so. Before 1920, ships were called " no. X," with the type fully pronounced. The types were commonly abbreviated in ship lists to "B-X," "C-X," "D-X" et cetera - for example, before 1920, USS Minnesota (BB-22) would have been called "USS Minnesota, Battleship number 22" verbally and "USS Minnesota, B-22" in writing. After 1920, the ship's name would have been both written and pronounced "USS Minnesota (BB-22)". In generally decreasing size, the types are:

  • ACR: Armored Cruiser (pre-1920)
  • C: Cruiser (pre-1920 Protected Cruisers and Peace Cruisers)
  • CA: (first series) Cruiser (retired, composed all surviving pre-1920 Protected and Peace Cruisers)
  • CA: (second series) Heavy Cruiser, category later renamed Gun Cruiser (retired)
  • CAG: Guided Missile Heavy Cruiser (retired)
  • CB: Large cruiser (retired)
  • CBC: Large Command Cruiser (retired, never used operationally)
  • CC: Battlecruiser (retired, never used operationally)
  • CC: (second usage) Command Cruiser (retired)
  • CG: Guided Missile Cruiser
  • CGN: Guided Missile Cruiser (Nuclear-Propulsion)
  • CL: Light Cruiser (retired)
  • CLAA: Antiaircraft Cruiser (retired)
  • CLG: Guided Missile Light Cruiser (retired)
  • CLGN: Guided Missile Light Cruiser (Nuclear-Propulsion) (retired)
  • CLK: Hunter-Killer Cruiser (abolished 1951)
  • CS: Scout Cruiser (retired)
  • CSGN: Strike Cruiser (Nuclear-Propulsion)
  • D: Destroyer (pre-1920)
  • DD: Destroyer
  • DDE: Escort Destroyer (not to be confused with Destroyer Escort, DE - an Escort Destroyer, DDE, was a Destroyer, DD, converted for antisubmarine warfare) (category abolished 1962)
  • DDG: Guided Missile Destroyer
  • DDK: Hunter-Killer Destroyer (category merged into DDE, 4 March 1950)
  • DDR: Radar Picket Destroyer (retired)
There were two distinct breeds of DE, the World War II Destroyer Escorts (some of which were converted to DERs) and the postwar DE/DEG classes, which were known as Ocean Escorts despite carrying the same type symbol as the WWII Destroyer Escorts. All DEs, DEGs, and DERs were reclassified as FFs, FFGs, or FFRs, 30 June 1975.
  • DL: Destroyer Leader (later Frigate) (retired)
  • DLG: Guided Missile Frigate (abolished 30 June 1975)
  • DLGN: Guided Missile Frigate (Nuclear-Propulsion) (abolished 30 June 1975)
 The DL category was established in 1951 with the abolition of the CLK category. CLK 1 became DL 1 and DD 927-930 became DL 2-5. By the mid-1950s the term Destroyer Leader had been dropped in favor of Frigate. Most DLGs and DLGNs were reclassified as CGs and CGNs, 30 June 1975. However, DLG 6-15 became DDG 37-46. The old DLs were already gone by that time.
  • DM: Destroyer Minelayer (retired)
  • FF: Frigate (retired)
  • FFG: Guided Missile Frigate
  • FFL: Light Frigate
  • FFR: Radar Picket Frigate (retired)
  • FFT: Frigate (Reserve Training) (retired)
 The FF, FFG, and FFR designations were established 30 June 1975 as new type symbols for ex-DEs, DEGs, and DERs. The first new-build ships to carry the FF/FFG designation were the Oliver Hazard Perry (FFG-7) class frigates. A new series of frigate-size warships for shallow-water combat at expense of battlegroup performance is under production:
  • M: Monitor (1880s-1920)

Submarines are all self-propelled submersible types (usually started with SS meaning submersible ship) regardless of whether employed as combatant, auxiliary, or research and development vehicles which have at least a residual combat capability. While some classes, including all diesel-electric submarines, are retired from USN service, non-U.S. navies continue to employ SS, SSA, SSAN, SSB, SSC, SSG, SSM, and SST types.[3] With the advent of new Air Independent Propulsion/Power (AIP) systems, both SSI and SSP are used to distinguish the types within the USN, but SSP has been declared the preferred term. SSK, retired by the USN, continues to be used colloquially and interchangeably with SS for diesel-electric attack/patrol submarines within the USN, and more formally by the Royal Navy and British firms such as Jane's Information Group.

  • SC: Cruiser Submarine (retired)
  • SF: Fleet Submarine (retired)
  • SM: Submarine Minelayer (retired)
  • SS: Attack Submarine (Diesel-Electric Power)[4]
  • SSA: Auxiliary/Cargo Submarine (Diesel-Electric Power)
  • SSAN: Auxiliary/Cargo Submarine (Nuclear Power)
  • SSB: Ballistic Missile Submarine (Diesel Electric Power)
  • SSBN: Ballistic Missile Submarine (Nuclear-Powered)
  • SSC: Coastal Submarine (Diesel-Electric Power), over 150 tons
  • SSG: Guided Missile Submarine (Diesel-Electric Power)
  • SSGN: Guided Missile Submarine (Nuclear-Powered)
  • SSI: Attack Submarine (Diesel Air-Independent Propulsion)[5]
  • SSK: Hunter-Killer/ASW Submarine (retired)[6]
  • SSM: Midget Submarine, under 150 tons
  • SSN: Attack Submarine (Nuclear-Powered)
  • SSO: Submarine Oiler (retired)
  • SSP: Attack Submarine (Diesel Air-Independent Power) (alternate use), formerly Submarine Transport
  • SSQ: Auxiliary Submarine, Communications (retired)
  • SSQN: Auxiliary Submarine, Communications (Nuclear-Powered)(retired)[7]
  • SSR: Radar Picket Submarine (retired)
  • SSRN: Radar Picket Submarine (Nuclear-Powered) (retired)
  • SST: Training Submarine (Diesel-Electric Power)
  • AGSS: Auxiliary Submarine
  • AOSS: Submarine Oiler (retired)
  • ASSP: Transport Submarine (retired)
  • APSS: Transport Submarine (retired)
  • LPSS: Amphibious Transport Submarine (retired)
  • SSLP: Transport Submarine (retired)
 SSP, ASSP, APSS, and LPSS were all the same type, redesignated over the years.
  • IXSS: Unclassified Miscellaneous Submarine
  • MTS: Moored Training Ship (Navy Nuclear Prototype School Training Platform; Reconditioned SSBN's)

Patrol combatants are ships whose mission may extend beyond coastal duties and whose characteristics include adequate endurance and sea keeping, providing a capability for operations exceeding 48 hours on the high seas without support. This notably included Brown Water Navy/Riverine Forces during the Vietnam War. Few of these ships are in service today.

  • PC: Coastal Patrol, originally Sub Chaser
  • PCF: Patrol Craft, Fast; Swift Boat, Brown Water Navy (Vietnam)
  • PE: Eagle Boat of World War I
  • PF: World War II Frigate, Based on British River class.
  • PG: Gunboat, later Patrol combatant
  • PT: Motor Torpedo Boat (World War II)
  • PTG: TBD
  • PGH: Patrol Combatant, Hydrofoil
  • PHM: Patrol, Hydrofoil Missile
  • PBR: Patrol Boat, River, Brown Water Navy (Pibber or PBR-Vietnam)
  • Monitor: Heavily gunned riverine boat, Brown Water Navy (Vietnam)
  • ASPB: Assault Support Patrol Boat, "Alpha Boat", Brown Water Navy; also used as riverine minesweeper (Vietnam)
  • PACV: Patrol, Air Cushion Craft, Brown Water Navy (Vietnam)

Amphibious warfare vessels include all ships having organic capability for amphibious warfare and which have characteristics enabling long duration operations on the high seas. There are two classifications of craft: amphibious warfare ships which are built to cross oceans, and landing craft, which are designed to take troops from ship to shore in an invasion.

Ships

Landing Craft

Ships which have the capability to provide underway replenishment to fleet units.

Mine warfare ships are those ships whose primary function is mine warfare on the high seas.

Coastal defense ships are those whose primary function is coastal patrol and interdiction.

Mobile logistics ships have the capability to provide direct material support to other deployed units operating far from home ports.

An auxiliary ship is designed to operate in any number of roles supporting combatant ships and other naval operations.

Support ships are not designed to participate in combat, and are generally not armed.

Support ships are designed to operate in the open ocean in a variety of sea states to provide general support to either combatant forces or shore based establishments. They include smaller auxiliaries which, by the nature of their duties, leave inshore waters.

Service craft are navy-subordinated craft (including non-self-propelled) designed to provide general support to either combatant forces or shore-based establishments. The suffix "N" refers to non-self-propelled variants.

  • AB: Crane Ship
  • AFDB: Large Auxiliary Floating Dry Dock
  • AFDL: Small Auxiliary Floating Dry Dock
  • AFDM: Medium Auxiliary Floating Dry Dock
  • APB: Self-Propelled Barracks Ship
  • APL: Barracks Craft
  • ARD: Auxiliary Repair Dry Dock
  • ARDM: Medium Auxiliary Repair Dry Dock [1]
  • ATA: Auxiliary Ocean Tug
  • DSRV: Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle
  • DSV: Deep Submergence Vehicle
  • NR: Submersible Research Vehicle
  • YC: Open Lighter
  • YCF: Car Float
  • YCV: Aircraft Transportation Lighter
  • YD: Floating Crane
  • YDT: Diving Tender
  • YF: Covered Lighter
  • YFB: Ferry Boat or Launch
  • YFD: Yard Floating Dry Dock
  • YFN: Covered Lighter (non-self propelled)
  • YFNB: Large Covered Lighter (non-self propelled)
  • YFND: Dry Dock Companion Craft (non-self propelled)
  • YFNX: Lighter (Special purpose) (non-self propelled)
  • YFP: Floating Power Barge
  • YFR: Refrigerated Cover Lighter
  • YFRN: Refrigerated Covered Lighter (non-self propelled)
  • YFRT: Range Tender
  • YFU: Harbor Utility Craft
  • YG: Garbage Lighter
  • YGN: Garbage Lighter (non-self propelled)
  • YLC: Salvage Lift Craft
  • YM: Dredge
  • YMN: Dredge (non-self propelled)
  • YNG: Gate Craft
  • YNT: Net Tender
  • YO: Fuel Oil Barge
  • YOG: Gasoline Barge
  • YOGN: Gasoline Barge (non-self propelled)
  • YON: Fuel Oil Barge (non-self propelled)
  • YOS: Oil Storage Barge
  • YP: Patrol Craft, Training
  • YPD: Floating Pile Driver
  • YR: Floating Workshop
  • YRB: Repair and Berthing Barge
  • YRBM: Repair, Berthing and Messing Barge
  • YRDH: Floating Dry Dock Workshop (Hull)
  • YRDM: Floating Dry Dock Workshop (Machine)
  • YRR: Radiological Repair Barge
  • YRST: Salvage Craft Tender
  • YSD: Seaplane Wrecking Derrick
  • YSR: Sludge Removal Barge
  • YT: Harbor Tug (craft later assigned YTB, YTL, or YTM classifications)
  • YTB: Large Harbor Tug
  • YTL: Small Harbor Tug
  • YTM: Medium Harbor Tug
  • YTT: Torpedo Trials Craft
  • YW: Water Barge
  • YWN: Water Barge (non-self propelled)
  • IX: Unclassified Miscellaneous Unit
  • X: Submersible Craft
  • "none": To honor her unique historical status, USS Constitution, formerly IX 21, was reclassified to "none," effective 1 September 1975.

Prior to 1965, US Coast Guard ships used the same designation as naval ships.

  • CG: all Coast Guard Ships in the 1920s (retired)
  • WAVP: sea going Coast Guard seaplane tenders (retired)
  • WDE: sea going Coast Guard destroyer escorts (retired)
  • WHEC: Coast Guard High Endurance Cutters
  • WMEC: Coast Guard Medium Endurance Cutters
  • WPC: Coast Guard patrol craft -later reclassed under WHEC
  • WPB: Coast Guard Patrol cutters
  • WPG: seagoing Coast Guard gunboats (retired)

  • Derdall, Guy and DiGiulian, Tony. USN Ship Designations (last updated: 22 June 2006). Available on-line at www.navweaps.com
  • United States Naval Aviation 1910-1995, Appendix 16: US Navy and Marine Corps Squadron Designations and Abbreviations. US Navy, c.1995. Quoted in Derdall and DiGiulian, op cit.
  • USCG Designations

  1. ^ Derdall and DiGiulian, (section: Nomenclature history)
  2. ^ United States Naval Aviation 1910-1995, Appendix 16
  3. ^ Russia still employs several SSA and SSAN class submarines like the Delta Stretch as well as one SST, China has older SSB and SSG types such as the Golf and Mod Romeo classes, and North Korea has built many SSCs and SSMs. See 2007-2008 Jane's Fighting Ships.
  4. ^ http://www.nvr.navy.mil/class.htm
  5. ^ Buff, Joe (June 2007). "Subs in the Littoral: Diesels Just Blowing Smoke?". Proceedings of the Naval Institute 133 (6): 40-43. ISSN 0041-798X. Retrieved on 2007-06-13. “Diesel AIP boats are known as SSIs, differentiating them from purely diesel-electric-powered hunter-killer subs, or SSKs.” 
  6. ^ http://www.nvr.navy.mil/oldclass.htm
  7. ^ http://www.dia.mil/publicaffairs/Foia/abbrev_acron.pdf
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