Hull classification symbol

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 navies.

Related Topics:
United States Navy - Pennant number - Royal Navy

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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.

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

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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.

Related Topics:
1975 ship reclassification - Soviet Navy

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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.

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