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. See also pennant number, a somewhat analogous system used by the Royal Navy and some European and Commonwealth navies.

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.

Many of these 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 "T-", it is part of the Military Sealift Command and has a primarily civilian crew.

Contents

1 Warships

1.1 Aircraft Carrier Type
1.2 Surface Combatant Type
1.3 Submarine type
1.4 Patrol Combatant Type
1.5 Amphibious Warfare Type
1.6 Combat Logistics Type
1.7 Mine Warfare Type
1.8 Coastal Defense Type
1.9 Mobile Logistics Type
1.10 Auxiliary

2 Support Ships

2.1 Support Type
2.2 Service Type Craft

3 See also

Warships

Warships are designed to participate in combat operations.

Aircraft Carrier Type

All ships designed primarily for the purpose of conducting combat operations by aircraft which engage in attacks against airborne, surface, sub-surface and shore targets. 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). Since 1935, "CV" has been a two-letter, unitary hull classification symbol, meaning "aircraft carrier." Aircraft carriers are designated in two sequences: The first, which has run from CV-1 USS Langley to the very latest ships, and the second, the CVE escort carrier sequence, ran from CVE-1 Long Island to CVE-128 Okinawa before being discontinued.

AVG Auxiliary Aircraft Ferry (Escort carrier) (1941-2)
ACV Auxiliary Aircraft Carrier (Escort carrier) (1942)
CV Multi-purpose Aircraft Carrier
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 various L-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 Combatant Type

Surface 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:

B Battleship (pre-1920)
BB Battleship
BBG Guided Missile Battleship (theoretical only, never assigned)
BM Monitor (1920-retirement)

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 Battlecruiser (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

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)
DE Destroyer Escort (World War II, later became Ocean Escort)
DE Ocean Escort (abolished 30 June 1975)
DEG Guided Missile Ocean Escort (abolished 30 June 1975)
DER Radar Picket Destroyer Escort (abolished 30 June 1975)

A word about the DE type symbol is in order here. 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
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:

K Corvette (retired]

LCS Littoral Combat Ship

M Monitor (1880s-1920)

Note that this list is from a United States Navy perspective. Frigate and Corvette designations are used in other navies.

Submarine type

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.

SC Cruiser Submarine (retired)
SF Fleet Submarine (retired)
SM Submarine Minelayer (retired)
SS Submarine (none in commission)
SSA Cargo Submarine (retired)
SSK Hunter-Killer Submarine (retired)
SSN Attack Submarine (Nuclear-Powered)
SSBN Ballistic Missile Submarine (Nuclear-Powered)
SSG Guided Missile Submarine (retired)
SSGN Guided Missile Submarine (Nuclear-Powered)
SSO Submarine Oiler (retired)
SSP Submarine Transport (retired)
SSR Radar Picket Submarine (retired)
SSRN Radar Picket Submarine (Nuclear-Powered) (retired)
SST Training Submarine (retired)

There have been several other submarine designations which did not begin with SS, included here for completeness:

AGSS Auxiliary Submarine
AOSS Submarine Oiler (retired)
ASSP Transport Submarine (retired)
APSS Transport Submarine (retired)
LPSS Amphibious Transport Submarine (retired)

(Note: 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 Combatant Type

Combatants 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. Few in service today.

PC Coastal Patrol, originally Sub Chaser
PCF Vietnam Swift Boat
PE Eagle Boat of World War I
PF World War II Frigate, Based on British River class.
*PFG Original designation of USS Oliver Hazard Perry (FFG-7)
PG Gunboat, later Patrol combatant
PT Motor Torpedo Boat (World War II)
PGH Patrol Combatant, Hydrofoil
PHM Patrol, Hydrofoil Missile

Amphibious Warfare Type

All ships having organic capability for amphibious assault and which have characteristics enabling long duration operations on the high seas. There are two classifications of craft here, the amhibious assault ships, built to cross oceans, and Landing Craft, to take men from the ship to the shore in an invasion. Ships

LHA Amphibious Assault Ship (Attack/Assault, i.e. attack aircraft)
LHD Amphibious Assault Ship (Dock, similar to LHA but emphasis on Landing Craft ability)
LPD Amphibious Transport, Dock (aka Landing Platform, Dock)
LCC Amphibious Command Ship
LKA Amphibious Cargo Ship (out of commission)
LPA Landing Platform, Amphibious
LPH Landing Platform, Helicopter (out of commission)
LSD Landing Ship, Dock
LSH Landing Ship, Heavy
LSIL Landing Ship, Infantry (Large) (formerly LCIL)
LSL Landing Ship, Logistics
LSM (R) Landing Ship, Medium (Rocket)
LSSL Landing Ship, Support (Large) (formerly LCSL)
LST Landing Ship, Tank
LSV Landing Ship Vehicle

Landing Craft

LCA Landing Craft, Assault
LCAC Landing Craft, Air Cushioned
LCFF (Flotilla Flagship)
LCH Landing Craft, Heavy
LCI (G)(L)(M)(R) Landing Craft, Infantry (Gunboat) (Large) (Mortar) (Rocket) (World War II era)
LCL Landing Craft, Logistics (UK)
LCM Landing Craft, Mechanized
LCP Landing Craft, Personnel
LCS (L) Landing Craft, Support (Large) (World War II era)
LCT Landing Craft, Tank (World War II era)
LCU Landing Craft, Utility
LCVP Landing Craft, Vehicle and Personnel

Combat Logistics Type

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

Mine Warfare Type

All ships whose primary function is mine warfare on the high seas.

AM Minesweeper
AMb Harbor Minesweeper
AMc Coastal Minesweeper
AMCU Underwater Mine Locater
MSO Minesweeper - Ocean
MSC Minesweeper - Coastal
MCM Mine Countermeasures Ship
MCS Mine Countermeasures Support Ship
MH(C)(I)(O)(S) Minehunter, (Coastal)(Inshore)(Ocean)(Hunter and Sweeper,General)

CM Minelayer
CMc Coastal Minelayer
MLC Coastal Minelayer
DM Destroyer Minelayer

Coastal Defense Type

All ships whose primary function is coastal patrol and interdiction.

FS Corvette
PB Patrol boat
PC Patrol, Coastal
PCE Patrol Escort
PF Frigate, in a role similar to World War II Commonwealth corvette
SP Shore Patrol

Mobile Logistics Type

Ships which have the capability to provide direct material support to other deployed units operating far from home base.

AD Destroyer Tender
AGP Patrol Craft Tender
AR Repair Ship
AS Submarine tender
AVP Seaplane Tender

Auxiliary

AN Net Laying Ship

Support Ships

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

Support Type

A grouping of ships 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. (Includes smaller auxiliaries which by the nature of their duties, leave inshore waters).

ACS Auxiliary Crane Ship
AG Miscellaneous Auxiliary
AGDE Testing Ocean Escort
AGDS Deep Submergence Support Ship
AGER Environmental Research Ship
AGF Miscellaneous Command Ship
AGFF Testing Frigate
AGM Missile Range Instrumentation Ship
AGOR Oceanographic Research Ship
AGOS Ocean Surveillance Ship
AGS Surveying Ship
AGSS Auxiliary Research Submarine
AGTR Technical research ship
AH Hospital ship
AK Cargo Ship
AKA Attack Cargo Ship
AKR Vehicle Cargo Ship
AKS Store Issue Ship
AOG Gasoline Tanker
AOT Transport Oiler
AP Transport
APA Attack Transport
APD High Speed Transport
ARC Cable Repair Ship
ARL Small Repair Ship
ARS Salvage Ship
ASR Submarine Rescue Ship
AT Ocean Going Tug
ATA Auxiliary Ocean Tug
ATF Fleet Ocean Tug
ATS Salvage and Rescue Ship
AVB Aviation Logistics Support Ship
AVT Auxiliary Aircraft Landing Training Ship

Service Type Craft

A grouping of 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
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, YTM, 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, the USS Constitution, formerly IX 21, was reclassified to none, effective September 1, 1975.