Naval Ship - Naval Ship Classification

Naval Ship Classification

Naval ship classification is a field that has changed over time, and is not an area of wide international agreement, so this article currently uses the system as currently used by the United States Navy.

  • Aircraft carrier - ships that serve as mobile seaborne airfields, designed primarily for the purpose of conducting combat operations by aircraft which engage in attacks against airborne, surface, sub-surface and shore targets.
  • Surface combatant - large, heavily armed surface ships which are designed primarily to engage enemy forces on the high seas, including various types of battleship, battlecruiser, cruiser, destroyer, and frigate.
  • Submarine - self-propelled submersible types regardless of whether they are employed as combatant, auxiliary, or research and development vehicles which have at least a residual combat capability.
  • Patrol combatant - 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.
  • Amphibious warfare - ships having organic capability for amphibious assault and which have characteristics enabling long duration operations on the high seas.
  • Combat logistics - ships that have the capability to provide underway replenishment to fleet units.
  • Mine warfare - ships whose primary function is mine warfare on the high seas.
  • Coastal defense - ships whose primary function is coastal patrol and interdiction.
  • Mobile logistics - ships that have the capability to provide direct material support to other deployed units operating far from home base.
  • Support - ships, such as oilers, 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).
  • Service type craft - navy-subordinated craft (including non-self-propelled) designed to provide general support to either combatant forces or shore-based establishments.

See also Hull classification symbol

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