List of hull classifications


The list of hull classifications comprises an alphabetical list of the hull classification symbols used by the United States Navy to identify the type of a ship.
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 the symbols listed here are not presently in use. The Naval Vessel Register maintains an online database of U.S. Navy ships.
The 1975 ship reclassification of cruisers, frigates, and ocean escorts brought U.S. 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 has "T-" preceding it, that symbolizes that it is a ship of the Military Sealift Command, with a primarily civilian crew.

A

AALC: Amphibious Assault Landing CraftAARCS: Air Raid Report Control ShipAASGP: Amphibious Assault Ship, General PurposeAB: Crane ShipABD: Advance base dockABSD: Advance base section dockABU: Boom defence vesselAC: CollierACM: Auxiliary Mine LayerACR: Armored cruiser ACS: Auxiliary crane shipACV: Auxiliary Aircraft Carrier AD: Destroyer tenderADC: Ammunition Storage Cargo shipADG: Degaussing/Deperming Ship ADS: Air Defense ShipAE: Ammunition shipAEFS: Fleet replenishment shipAEM: Ammunition Ship, Missile AF: Reefer ship / Refrigerated shipAFD: Auxiliary floating dry dockAFDB: Large auxiliary floating dry dockAFDL: Small auxiliary floating dry dockAFDM: Medium auxiliary floating dry dockAFDS: Auxiliary Fighter Directing ShipAFS: Combat Stores ShipAFSB: Afloat Forward Staging Base AG: Miscellaneous Auxiliary AGB: IcebreakerAGC: Auxiliary general communication ship, or amphibious force flagship AGCL: Auxiliary General Communication, LightAGD: Dredge ShipAGDE: Testing Ocean EscortAGDS: Deep Submergence Support ShipAGE: General Purpose Experimental Ship (AGE = Auxiliary General Experimental)AGEH: Hydrofoil research shipAGER: Environmental Research ShipAGF: Miscellaneous Command ShipAGFF: Testing FrigateAGH: Weather Ship (AGH = Auxiliary General Hydrometeorology)AGHS: Hydroplane research shipAGI: Intelligence Collecting Ship AGL: Mooring/buoy tenderAGM: Missile Range Instrumentation ShipAGMR: Auxiliary Major Communication Relay ShipAGOR: Oceanographic Research ShipAGOS: Ocean Surveillance ShipAGP: Patrol Craft TenderAGR: Radar Picket Ship AGS: Survey shipAGSC: Coastal survey craftAGSL: Auxiliary General Satellite Launching shipAGSS: Auxiliary SubmarineAGT: Target ship AGTR: Technical research shipAH: Hospital shipAHC: Auxiliary Helicopter carrierAHP: Medical Evacuation ShipAIRIS: Aviation store issue shipAK: Cargo ShipAKA: Attack Cargo Ship AKB: Cargo Ship, BargeAKD: Cargo Ship, Dock AKE: Underway Replenishment Dry Cargo ShipAKF: Float-on/Float-off (flo-flo) ShipAKFBM: Fleet ballistic missile trial shipAKI: Store Issue ShipAKL: Cargo Ship, LightAKN: Cargo Ship, Net layingAKR: Vehicle Cargo Ship (Cargo Ship, Roll-on/Roll-off)AKS: General stores issue shipAKSS: Cargo submarineAKV: Cargo Ship, Aircraft TransportAKX: Container shipAL: Auxiliary LighterAM: Minesweeper or MCM tenderAMb: Harbor MinesweeperAMc: Coastal MinesweeperAMCU: Underwater Mine LocaterAMh: Harbor Minesweeper AMS: Motor Minesweeper AN: Net Laying ShipANL: Net Laying ShipAO: Fleet OilerAOE: Fast Combat Support ShipAOG: Gasoline TankerAOL: Light replenishment oilerAOR: Replenishment OilerAOS: Specialized Oiler/TankerAOSS: Submarine Oiler AOT: Transport/Storage OilerAP: TransportAPA: Attack Transport APB: Self-Propelled Barracks shipAPb: Base repair shipAPC: Transport, CoastalAPD: High Speed Transport APF: Administrative flagshipAPG: Coastal artillery supply shipAPH: Ambulance TransportAPL: Barracks Craft, non self-propelledAPM: Artillery Transport APN: Artillery Transport, non Self-PropelledAPP: Troop BargeAPR: Cargo ship, rescue / med evacAPS: Minelaying Submarine APSS: Transport Submarine APT: Troop transportAPV: Aircraft transportAPY: Large Y-boat AR: Repair shipARb: base repair shipARB: Repair Ship, Battle damageARC: Cable Repair ShipARD: Auxiliary Repair Dry DockARDC: Auxiliary Repair Dry Dock, ConcreteARDM: Medium Auxiliary Repair Dry DockARG: Marine engine repair shipARH: Heavy repair ship ARIS: Space exploration tracking shipARL: Small Repair Ship ARM: Heavy machinery repair ship ARR: Repair ship, radioactiveARS: Rescue/Salvage ShipARSD: Salvage Lifting ShipARST: Auxiliary Rescue Salvage TenderARV: Aircraft repair shipARVA: Aircraft repair ship, airframeARVE: Aviation engine repair shipARVH: Helicopter repair shipAS: Submarine tenderASE: Submarine ammunition supply shipASPB: Assault Support Patrol BoatASR: Submarine Rescue ShipASSA: Cargo SubmarineASSP: Transport Submarine AT: Ocean Going TugATA: Auxiliary Ocean TugATC: Armored Troop CarrierATF: Fleet Ocean TugATL: Atlantic tank landing ship ATO: Auxiliary Tug, OldATR: Rescue tug ATS: Salvage and Rescue ShipAV: Seaplane TenderAVB: Aviation Logistics Support ShipAVC: Large catapult lighter AVD: Seaplane Tender Destroyer AVG: Auxiliary Aircraft Ferry AVM: Missile trial shipAVP: Seaplane Tender, lightAVR: Aircraft Rescue ShipAVS: Helicopter training shipAVT: Auxiliary Aircraft Landing Training ShipAW: Distilling ShipAWK: Water TankerAWT: Water TankerAX: Training shipAXS: Training ship, sailAXT: Training ship tenderAZ: Airship Tender

B

C

C: Cruiser CA: Cruiser CA: Heavy Cruiser, category later renamed Gun Cruiser CAG: Heavy Cruiser, Guided Missile CB: Large cruiser CBC: Large Command Cruiser CC: Battlecruiser CC: Command Cruiser ; cruiserCG: Guided Missile CruiserCGN: Guided Missile Cruiser CL: Light Cruiser CLAA: Antiaircraft Cruiser CLG: Light Cruiser, Guided Missile CLGN: Light Cruiser, Guided Missile CLK: Hunter-Killer Cruiser CM: MinelayerCMc: Coastal MinelayerCS: Scout Cruiser CSGN: Strike Cruiser CV: Aircraft carrierCVA: Attack Aircraft Carrier CVB: Large Aircraft Carrier CVE: Escort aircraft carrier CVHA: Assault Helicopter Aircraft Carrier CVHE: Escort Aircraft Carrier, Helicopter CVL: Light aircraft carrier CVN: Aircraft Carrier CVS: Antisubmarine Aircraft Carrier CVT: Training Aircraft Carrier CVU: Utility Aircraft Carrier

D

D: Destroyer DD: DestroyerDDE: Escort destroyer DDG: Guided missile destroyerDDH: Helicopter carrier DDK: Hunter-Killer Destroyer DDR: Radar Picket Destroyer DE: Destroyer Escort DE: Ocean Escort DEG: Guided Missile Ocean Escort DER: Radar Picket Destroyer Escort DL: Destroyer Leader DLG: Guided Missile Frigate DLGN: Guided Missile Frigate DM: Destroyer Minelayer DMS: Destroyer Minesweeper DSRV: Deep Submergence Rescue VehicleDSV: Deep Submergence Vehicle

E

EMS: Expeditionary Medical Ship, a EPF modified into a hospital shipESD: Expeditionary Transfer DockESB: Expeditionary Mobile Base EPF: Expeditionary Fast Transport

F

FF: Frigate FFG: Guided Missile FrigateFFH: Fast Frigate HeloFFL: Light frigateFFR: Radar Picket Frigate FFT: Frigate FS: Corvette

I

IX: Unclassified miscellaneous vesselIXSS: Unclassified Miscellaneous Submarine

J

L

LB: Landing BoatLBE: Landing Barge, Emergency repairLBP: Landing Boat, PersonnelLBS: Landing Barge, SupportLBV: Landing Boat, VehicleLC: Landing CraftLCA: Landing Craft AssaultLCA Landing Craft Assault (Hedgerow)LCAC: Landing Craft Air CushionedLCB: Landing Craft, BargeLCC: Landing Craft, Command LCC: Landing Ship, Command LCE: Landing Craft, Emergency repairLCEOP: Landing Craft, Engine Overhaul PartyLCF: Landing Craft, FlakLCFF: Landing Craft, Flotilla FlagshipLCG: Landing Craft, GunLCGL: Landing Craft, Gun, LargeLCGM: Landing Craft, Gun, MediumLCH: Landing Craft, HeavyLCI: Landing Craft, InfantryLCIFF: Landing Craft, Infantry, Flotilla FlagshipLCIFL: Landing Craft, Infantry, Flotilla LeaderLCIG: Landing Craft, Infantry, GunLCIL: Landing Craft, Infantry, LargeLCIM: Landing Craft, Infantry, MortarLCIR: Landing Craft, Infantry, RocketLCL: Landing Craft, LogisticLCM: Landing Craft MechanizedLCN: Landing Craft, NavigationLCOCU: Landing Craft, Obstacle Clearing UnitLCP: Landing Craft, PersonnelLCPA: Landing Craft, Personnel, Air-CushionedLCPL: Landing Craft, Personnel, LargeLCPM: Landing Craft, Personnel, MediumLCPN: Landing Craft, Personnel, NestedLCPP: Landing Craft, Personnel, PlasticLCPR: Landing Craft, Personnel, RampedLCPS: Landing Craft, Personnel, SurveyLCRL: Landing Craft, Rubber, LargeLCPR: Landing Craft, Rubber, RocketLCRS: Landing Craft, Rubber, SmallLCRU: Landing Craft, Recovery UnitLCS: Littoral Combat ShipLCSL: Landing Craft, Support (Large) LCSM: Landing Craft, Support, MediumLCSR: Landing Craft, Support, RocketLCSS: Landing Craft, Support, SmallLCT: Landing Craft, Tank LCTA: Landing Craft, Tank, ArmoredLCU: Landing Craft, UtilityLCV: Landing Craft, VehicleLCVP: Landing Craft, Vehicle and PersonnelLES: Landing boat, supportLFS: Amphibious fire support shipLHA: Amphibious Assault Ship LHD: Amphibious Assault Ship LKA: Amphibious Cargo Ship LPA: Landing Platform, AmphibiousLPD: Amphibious Transport, Dock LPH: Landing Platform, Helicopter LPR: Amphibious transport, smallLPSS: Amphibious Transport Submarine LSA: Landing Ship, AssaultLSB: Landing Ship, BombardmentLSD: Landing Ship, DockLSF: Landing Ship, FlagshipLSFF: Landing Ship, Flotilla FlagshipLSH: Landing Ship, Heavy or HelicopterLSHL: Landing Ship, Headquarter, LargeLSI: Landing Ship, InfantryLSIG: Landing Ship, Infantry, GunLSIL: Landing Ship, Infantry LSIM: Landing Ship, Infantry, MediumLSIR: Landing Ship, Infantry, RocketLSL: Landing Ship, LogisticsLSM: Landing Ship, MediumLSMR: Landing Ship, Medium, RocketLSR: Landing Ship, RocketLSS: Landing Ship, SupportLSSL: Landing Ship, Support (Large) LST: Landing Ship, TankLSTH: Landing Ship, Tank, HospitalLSU: Landing Ship, UtilityLSV: Landing Ship VehicleLWT: Amphibious Warping Tug

M

MB: Motor BoatMCM: Mine Countermeasures ShipMCS: Mine Countermeasures Support ShipMHA: Minehunter, AuxiliaryMHC: Minehunter, CoastalMHI: Mine Hunter InshoreMLC: Motorized Landing CraftMLP: Mobile Landing Platform MM: MinelayerMMA: Minelayer, AuxiliaryMMC: Minelayer, CoastalMMD: Minelayer, fast MMF: Minelayer, FleetMON: MonitorMS: Minesweeper or Motor shipMSA: Minesweeper, AuxiliaryMSB: Minesweeping BoatMSC: Minesweeper, CoastalMSD: Minesweeping droneMSF: Minesweeper, FleetMSI: Minesweeper, InshoreMSL: Minesweeper, LaunchMSM: Minesweeper, MediumMSO: Minesweeper - OceanMSR: Minesweeper, RiverineMSS: Minesweeper, SpecialMV: Merchant Vessel

N

NR: Submersible Research Vehicle

P

PACV: Patrol craft, air cushioned vehiclePB: Patrol boatPBR: Patrol boat, RiverPC: Patrol craft, originally Sub chaserPCC: Patrol craft, coastalPCC: Submarine Chaser, ControlPCE: Patrol EscortPCEC: Patrol Escort, CoastalPCER: Patrol Escort, RescuePCF: Vietnam Patrol Craft FastPCH: Patrol craft, hydrofoilPCS: Patrol Craft, SweeperPCSC: Patrol Craft, Submarine ChaserPCV: Primary Control VesselPE: Eagle boat of World War IPF: World War II frigate, based on British River class.PFG: Original designation of USS Oliver Hazard Perry (FFG-7)PG: Gunboat, later Patrol combatantPGH: Patrol Combatant, HydrofoilPHM: Patrol, Hydrofoil MissilePM: River MonitorPR: Riverine gun shipPT: Patrol torpedo boatPTC: Patrol torpedo boat subchaserPTF: Patrol torpedo boat, fastPY: Seagoing gun shipPT: Motor Torpedo Boat

S

SC: Cruiser Submarine SF: Fleet Submarine SM: Submarine Minelayer SP: Section PatrolSS: Attack Submarine SSA: Auxiliary/Cargo Submarine SSAN: Auxiliary/Cargo Submarine SSB: Ballistic Missile Submarine SSBN: Ballistic Missile Submarine SSC: Coastal Submarine, over 150 tonsSSG: Guided Missile Submarine SSGN: Guided Missile Submarine SSI: Attack Submarine SSK: Hunter-Killer/ASW Submarine SSKN: Hunter-Killer/ASW Submarine SSM: Midget Submarine, under 150 tonsSSN: Attack Submarine SSO: Submarine Oiler SSP: Attack Submarine, formerly Submarine TransportSSQ: Auxiliary Submarine, Communications SSQN: Auxiliary Submarine, Communications SSR: Radar Picket Submarine SSRN: Radar Picket Submarine SST: Training Submarine SSV: Submarine Aircraft Carrier

T

TCD: Small LSDTGB: Icebreaking TugTR: Torpedo RetrieverTWR: Torpedo Weapon Retriever

W

W: United States Coast Guard

X

X: Submersible Craft, also used to denote experimental craft.

Y

YA: Ash lighterYAGR: Oceanic radar stationYAGT: Target bargeYC: Open LighterYCD: Oil storage bargeYCF: Car FloatYCV: Aircraft Transportation LighterYD: Floating CraneYDG: Degaussing tenderYDT: Diving TenderYE: Ammunition storage bargeYF: Covered LighterYFB: Ferry Boat or LaunchYFD: Yard Floating Dry DockYFN: Covered Lighter YFNB: Large Covered Lighter YFND: Dry Dock Companion Craft YFNX: Lighter YFP: Floating Power BargeYFR: Refrigerated Cover LighterYFRN: Refrigerated Covered Lighter YFRT: Range TenderYFU: Harbor Utility CraftYG: Garbage LighterYGN: Garbage Lighter YH: Ambulance craftYHB: House boatYHLC: Heavy lifting craftYHT: Heading scowYLA: Open lighter, landingYLLC: Salvage Lift CraftYM: DredgeYMN: Dredge YMS: Motor Minesweeper, AuxiliaryYMT: Motor tugYN: Net tenderYND: Net tender, districtYNG: Gate CraftYNT: Net TenderYO: Fuel Oil BargeYOG: Gasoline BargeYOGN: Gasoline Barge YON: Fuel Oil Barge YOS: Oil Storage BargeYP: Patrol Craft, TrainingYPD: Floating Pile DriverYR: Floating WorkshopYRB: Repair and Berthing BargeYRBM: Repair, Berthing and Messing BargeYRDH: Floating Dry Dock Workshop YRDM: Floating Dry Dock Workshop YRR: Radiological Repair BargeYRST: Salvage Craft TenderYSD: Seaplane Wrecking DerrickYSR: Sludge Removal BargeYT: Harbor Tug YTB: Large Harbor TugYTL: Small Harbor TugYTM: Medium Harbor TugYTR: Rescue tugYTT: Torpedo Trials CraftYV: UAV recovery craftYW: Water BargeYWD: Distilling craftYWN: Water Barge

Z

ZR: Rigid AirshipZRCV: Rigid Airship Aircraft CarrierZRS: Rigid Airship Scout
All other airships were aircraft, not commissioned ships.