The Naming Conventions of US Navy Submarines

The United States Navy has a rich tradition of naming its submarines, often after prominent figures, historical events, or mythical creatures from the sea. This practice is not only a matter of tradition but also serves several practical purposes. In this article, we will explore the naming conventions of US Navy submarines and how these names contribute to their identification and maintenance of operational standards.

The Importance of Naming Submarines

Unlike some other naval vessels that are typically identified solely by hull numbers, US Navy submarines carry names that serve several important functions. These names are more than just decorative; they are identifiers that fulfill critical roles in submarine operations and maintenance.

USS Prefix and Naming of Submarines

Submarines in the US Navy are generally named after fish or other marine creatures, with the prefix "USS" followed by the name of the animal. For example, the submarine USS Sailfish SS-572. However, the naming changes if the submarine is nuclear-powered, in which case the prefix changes to "SSN".

For instance, a hypothetical nuclear-powered submarine would be named as follows:

USS Hyman G. Rickover SSN 709 - A reference to a prominent figure in naval engineering. USS Minneapolis Saint Paul SSN 709 - Named after twin cities. USS Boston SSN 703 - An example of a shorter name, often due to the location or historical significance. USS Chicago SSN 721 - Another example with a common city name. USS City of Corpus Christi SSN 705 - A longer name due to the spacing of the letters.

The naming of submarines often reflects the cultural and historical significance of the names. For instance, the designations of "SS" and "SSN" are used to denote conventional and nuclear-powered submarines, respectively.

The Role of Hull Numbers

While the names are important, submarines are also identified by hull numbers, specifically painted on the sail or conning tower. These numbers are unique identifiers that help in tracking and locating specific submarines. Though the hull numbers are not kept hidden for the purpose of maintaining stealth, they play a crucial role in ensuring the correct identification of the vessel.

The hull number is an essential part of the identification system and is generally painted in a prominent position on the sail. For example, the USS Sailfish SS-572 has a hull number prominently displayed on its sail, while newer SSN-designated submarines will display SSN-572. This number is critical for maintenance, repairs, and initial identification of the submarine, even when the submarine is submerged.

Identification Plaques on Port

Another interesting feature is the presence of wooden plaques bearing the names of the submarines. These plaques are usually installed on the side of the sail when the submarine is in port. The length of the plaque varies depending on the length of the name, ensuring that all names are properly displayed for easy identification.

For instance, the USS City of Corpus Christi SSN 705 would have a longer plaque due to its longer name, while the USS Boston SSN 703 would have a shorter one. This tradition of displaying the names in a prominent manner is a standard naval practice that has been in place for decades.

Conclusion

The naming conventions of US Navy submarines are deeply rooted in tradition and serve a practical purpose. These names and identification numbers help in the efficient operation and maintenance of these complex and highly specialized vessels.

While the names and hull numbers play a significant role in the identification and tracking of submarines, they do not impact the stealth and anonymity of these vessels. The focus on maintaining stealth and anonymity lies in the design and operational capabilities of the submarines, not in the visible identifiers on their hulls.

The naming of US Navy submarines is a testament to the rich maritime history and the dedication of the US Navy to its traditions and practices.