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U.S. Naval Ship Specifications

Throughout our nation's history, national security interests have been well served by the seagoing members of the U.S. armed forces and auxiliary groups. The oceans provide access to an almost limitless number of foreign states, along with the means of moving equipment and manpower in large quantities. Naval forces are vital for readiness, flexibility, self-sustainment, mobility and carrying capacity. The Navy uses the designated function of the individual ship for classification purposes.

Aircraft Carriers
- Aircraft carriers are used to conduct air missions against various targets.
  
  These ships are designed to provide a take-off and landing area by which aircraft can conduct operations against other aircraft, sea vessels or targets on land. Further classifications designate whether the carrier uses nuclear propulsion.
Surface Combat Type
- Battleships are used mainly against opposing sea forces.
  
  These ships are utilized primarily in sea battles against enemy ships. Surface Combat ships include battleships, cruisers, destroyers and frigates.
Submarine Type
- A submarine surfaces.
  
  Whether employed in combat, or in an auxiliary role, self-propelled submersible ships are designated as submarines. This classification is composed of attack submarines and ballistic missile submarines.
Patrol Combat Ships
- These ships are capable of engaging in operations of 48 hours or more without support. They must have adequate endurance, as their missions often extend beyond coastal duties.
Amphibious Warfare Type Ships
- These ships have both the capability for long stretches of sea duty and delivering equipment or troops to a beachhead. These include amphibious assault ships, amphibious transport docks, amphibious helicopter assault ships, amphibious cargo ships, dock landing ships, medium landing ships, tank landing ships and amphibious command ships.
Combat Logistics Type Ships
- These ships are utilized to replenish fleet units while at sea. While not directly engaged in warfare operations, these ships provide the ammunition and necessary logistic support for the fleet to fulfill its mission. The category consists of ammunition ships, combat store ships, oilers, fast combat support ships and replenishment oilers.
Mine Warfare Type Ships
- These ships serve the primary purpose of mine warfare at sea. They include ocean minesweepers, mine countermeasure ships, mine countermeasure support ships and coastal minehunters.
Mobile Logistic Type Ships
- These ships provide direct material support to ships at sea and include destroyer tenders, repair ships and submarine tenders.
Support Type Ships
- These ships are designed to provide support for combat forces or shore-based operations, and can operate on the high seas. They are divided into two classes. The first group is fleet support and includes salvage ships, submarine rescue ships, auxiliary ocean tugs, fleet ocean tugs and salvage and rescue ships. The second designation, other auxiliaries, covers the balance of ship types from crane ships to hospital ships to training and research vessels.

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