What’s your favorite ship name?

[CommunityEditor]

From Achomawi to Zumwalt, the Navy has applied the names of thousands of people, places, concepts and fish to the vessels it has operated over the past 232 years, ranging from behemoth supercarriers to harbor tugs.

Some of the names are classics — Constellation, Essex, Enterprise — making consistent appearances in the fleet down the years. Some of the names have taken on a mystique after the exploits of the ships that bore them — Missouri, Parche, Samuel B. Roberts. A few are synonymous with sacrifice — Arizona, Johnston, Cole.

The Navy’s conventions for naming ships have changed several times: State names first went to battleships, then to ballistic-missile submarines, and now to fast-attack submarines. City names first went to cruisers, then to dock landing ships, then to fast-attack submarines, and now back to amphibious transport docks. Carriers have ranged from insects — Hornet — to concepts — Independence — to one-term Republican presidents — Gerald R. Ford.

Most names appear in the fleet just once, but a few reoccur consistently. There have been three Kidds in the Navy; four Texases; and six Truxtuns. There have been eight Enterprises, according to Jack Green, a spokesman for the Naval Historical Center, and the most-used warship name is Wasp, which has appeared in the fleet 10 times.

Despite a few close calls, there has never been a Montana — an oversight that state lawmakers have been pushing the Navy to rectify.

With plans to build 53 more littoral combat ships; at least eight more Arleigh Burke-class destroyers; one or two Zumwalt-class destroyers; a pair of Ford-class carriers; and at least one more San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, the Navy needs more names. If the service keeps its current fleet of cruisers and destroyers in service for as long as 40 years, as planned, it’ll be a long while before it can start to recycle those ships’ names.

What classic names should return to the fleet? What battles, locales or naval heroes deserve their name on a Navy ship? What constitutes a great name for a warship? What are some name misfires the Navy shouldn’t repeat?


Article: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/08/navy_shipname_082108w/

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh23/aliceamm/Military%20Times/ship_name.jpg

[nickolas.h.guertin]

Political influence has long presided over discipline and tradition in naming ships. Notice especially what happened to the SEAWOLF class.

With notable exceptions, the ARLEIGH BURKE Class is a shining example of tradition over influence.

My favorite ship name is 'The Sullivans'.

[Unregistered]

ENTERPRISE is my favorite. The only naming I don't like is when they break patterns within a class, as in THOMAS S GATES, JIMMY CARTER, etc.
-DB, Alexandria, VA

[DANFINNEGAN]

Enterprise, Hornet, Cochrane, Norton Sound, Wasp, Yorktown, Saratoga, Lexington, Ranger, Holland, Proteus.

[Old Sgt Max]

As I recall, there was always supposed to be a USS England in the fleet.

[Unregistered]

I would like to see the names Midway, Coral Sea, and Yorktown make it back into the fleet.

[BTCS]

I agree with "Old SGT Max" There was always to be an England in the US Navy and there have been two. I served on the second USS England DLG/CG 22 and she was a fine ship. Another proud and historical name is "EDSON" named after a Marine hero of WWII. I also served on USS Edson DD 946 during the Viet Nam war and she made herself known up and down the coast as a "Top Gun" Don't let these two proud names die. Both ships have websites. The Edson was part of the Intrepid Musuem in NYC and is still in mothballs at PNSY, unfortunately England met her fate with the breakers in Brownsville, TX.

[Marlow]

There should be another USS JOHN KING. It should be a DDG (of course).

[BTCMSENIOR]

My favorite ship name is "AMERICA". There is nothing like hearing the name as it pulls into a forgien port. I was very disappointed that they name the first carrier of the next class Ford when it should of been named "AMERICA"

[Unregistered]

The Consellation first comes to mind (because she was my ship), but there are a lot of good names out there. Many have recently been retired.

America, Enterprise, and Consellation are names that have had a history in the navy and should continue. 'The Sullivans', the families sacifice should be remembered and a ship renamed for these 5 brothers.

[Unregistered]

I think that since the new LHA is going to be "America" we should see "United States" come back as well.

[AT2 Shaton Robinson]

The USS IWO JIMA (LHD7), PLANKOWNER...

[Dawes]

Some of the old WWII names were memorable, although some of them may have been re-used:

Bataan, Bennington, Cabot, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Hancock, Intrepid, Langley, Monterey, Oriskany, Randolph, Saratoga, Reprisal, Shangri-La, Wright

[Unregistered]

As I recall, there was always supposed to be a USS England in the fleet.

Yes, it was to be a target ship for artillery.

[Unregistered]

I think that IOWA should be used again, after Montana of course.

[MPLisa]

Well, in 1862 the Union Navy commissioned a ship: USS Hunchback. She was a gunboat conducting riverine warfare. It is an awesome name, and we need to be reminded of the Navy's important, but low profile, role in the civil war (except the more famous ironclad fights and that little row at Mobile Bay...).

Another name that I think would absolutely terrorize the enemy and strike fear into anyman's heart would be the: USS Hillary Clinton. It could be a ship that makes a lot of noise and doesn't seem to go away very easily......

[MPLisa]

I think we ought to have another Franklin Delano Roosevelt, perhaps as a carrier.

We could have the USS Walter Mitty - a multi-role ship (pocketa, pocketa, pocketa).

Perhaps a ship named after Robert A. Heinlein, or called the "Starship Trooper". It could be a gator.

And let us not forget a new class: The James Tiberious Kirk, class. Other ships in the class: Jean Luc Picard, The T'Pao, The Spock. I dunno, all good choices.

[T-Bird]

USS Lollypop?

[warrpett]

Has to be CHIEF (MCM-14). It bears a great name that symbolizes the strength and driving force behind the NAVY. Never will there be a better name of a ship.

[jeff3166]

USS Indianapolis- symbolic of and in remembrance of the U.S. Navy's largest at-sea loss of life.

It's been 10 years since USS Indianapolis (SSN-697 ) was in commission, hopefully one of the new LPD's will bear the name USS Indianapolis.

[Unregistered]

There was one ship that I ran across during my travels in the Med, it was an English ship the HMS Battleaxe. The British already have a ship named after Hillary.

[MPLisa]

USS Kansas City - the only ship (AOR-3) to hold that name. The KC was really a "Fast Attack" oiler and her Sea Sparrows routinely outshot those of other ships on the range.

[MPLisa]

There was one ship that I ran across during my travels in the Med, it was an English ship the HMS Battleaxe. The British already have a ship named after Hillary.

LOL!!!!!!!!

Other possible names:

USS Billary
USS Obama (Just a hull, no real substance inside)

[Unregistered]

I liked the namesake O'kane. I think new ships should all have namesakes of medal of honor recipients. Of course I was on the O'kane. It was great pride to know about him, and to sail into San Francisco and meet his widow. There is this big sign that sits on the messdecks that says Okanes Irish Pub. I bet noone there knows why it is there for. I was down in San Marcos and saw that same exact sign. I wish I had my ballcap at the time, I would have given it to them.

[Unregistered]

I have always like USS Oriskany. Being an ex-gator sailor myself, I think they should name them after counties like the old LST's.

I do like the suggestion about the USS Hillary Clinton or USS Obama - Funny!

The way things are going for those new LPDs, they're going to have to rename them the USS Neversail class. What's up with that??

[Unregistered]

i would like to see a ship named after Bob Hope. He was a great American and did a lot for the military touring with the USO.

[Unregistered]

There is a USNS Bob Hope.

I'd like to see a carrier named after a president with a little more historical substance than Bush or Ford... why not John Adams ... the president who oversaw the construction of the original 6 frigates, or the Andrew Jackson "Old Hickory", or even Ulysses S. Grant.

[MPLisa]

Here's some more:
USS Juggernaught
USS Dreadnaught
USS Behemoth


USS Swarznegger??!! Ship's motto: "I'll be back"

[Unregistered]

There is a USNS Bob Hope.

I'd like to see a carrier named after a president with a little more historical substance than Bush or Ford... why not John Adams ... the president who oversaw the construction of the original 6 frigates, or the Andrew Jackson "Old Hickory", or even Ulysses S. Grant.

Yes, not that Ford or Bush were necessarily bad, but Presidents with some real historical significants would be better choices. Lincoln, Grant, Jefferson, and Jackson all have great historical meaning to our country.

[Unregistered]

There is a USNS Bob Hope.

I'd like to see a carrier named after a president with a little more historical substance than Bush or Ford... why not John Adams ... the president who oversaw the construction of the original 6 frigates, or the Andrew Jackson "Old Hickory", or even Ulysses S. Grant.

A hospital ship the USS Bob Hope. Now that would be a perfect ship.

[Unregistered]

Well we've got to keep the Enterprise name going at least until the 23rd century!
My order of preference would be Ticonderoga, Ranger, Saratoga, Yorktown, Constellation, and Kitty Hawk.
I think we have to keep these historical names in continued circulation.

[Unregistered]

England, Pope, Pillsbury, Hubbard, Housatonic, Dixie, {I know that one will never make back to the list}

[Unregistered]

There should always be a John Paul Jones in our fleet. He is the father of our Navy, and as such, deserves to be immortalized.

[Bruce]

I always liked that there was a destroyer named after RADM Grace Hopper, (DDG70), leading the crew to refer to their ship as "the Amazing Grace."

I wish that the Navy would go back to naming subs after fish. If you want to talk about great historical ship names, how can we ever forget such legendary Navy vessels as Pogy, Nautilus, Tang, Growler, Parche, and Harder, among other great ships (in those days we called them "boats"). Those ships and their crews are as much a part of U.S. Navy history as any others.

[lofty1380]

i think personally newer ships should be named after fallen navy heros , i have always been told giving a new ship a old name is bad luck

[Unregistered]

Uss Titan Would Be An Awesome Name For A Ship! It Sounds Like Something Big And Bold, Like A Ship Should Be.

[Unregistered]

Earlier I wrote that one of the names should be Hubbard, That should be Harry E. Hubbard, When you read what he did, How there can not be a ship named after him in the navy is beyond me, I forgot about Hornet, Saratoga, Randolph, Lexington, All the Essex class carrier names should be on the register at all times, And go back to naming submarines after fish

[DeadGeneration]

Earlier I wrote that one of the names should be Hubbard, That should be Harry E. Hubbard, When you read what he did, How there can not be a ship named after him in the navy is beyond me, I forgot about Hornet, Saratoga, Randolph, Lexington, All the Essex class carrier names should be on the register at all times, And go back to naming submarines after fish

There used to be a USS Harry E. Hubbard launched 24 March 1944 and destroyed in 1970.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Harry_E._Hubbard_(DD-748)

[Unregistered]

We should begin a series of ships with name of "Character" traits... USS Integrity, USS Honor, USS Perseverence, USS Courageous, USS Fearless, USS Indominable Spirit, USS Tenacious, USS Valiant. ...

[MPLisa]

Was there ever a USS U.S. Grant? Grant was a great leader and general, he saved the Union. Also would like to see a Sherman (after William Tecumsah), and a Sheridan.

[Unregistered]

I don't know if there has been a ship ever named in honor of Capt. John Percival, so I will promote for consideration the Mad Jack Percival, and there should be a ship named for Edward F. Younger, the doughboy who selected the Unknown Soldier..

[Unregistered]

John Paul Jones a great name for a carrier or anr any other naval war ship.

[helakie4295]

How about reusing the name "USS Franklin" in honor of one of the most couragous ships and crews in WW-II.

[KYDSNIPE]

I like keeping with tradition. The names of the original 6 frigates for instance (obviously one is still in commision) should never be without a ship for their namesake. We have no ships at this time called Congress, Chesapeake, President, etc. We need to keep in line with our tradtion and also we need to remember those great battles that Sailors and Marines alike lost their lives in. It is one thing to name an Aircraft Carrier after great U.S. Presidents, but when we start coming up with names that simply do not carry a proud tradition of a person or battle to be honored, the crew has no faith in the ship I believe.

USS Laboon (DDG58) is an example. Honestly, why name a warship after a religious figure.

[mzevans1]

im bias I love LINCOLN lmao

[RADENNIS0]

I've always like the hard to pronounce ones:

Bonhomme Richard
Hue City

I dare you to mispronounce one of these with one of Her sailors in earshot.

[Shep]

The naming process is fine. Presidents, cities, states, fallen naval heroes and fought battles are perfect names for our ships. We dont need to use army heroes, irrelavent presidents or "inspiring names". The british use those hokey names, we're not the british.....we're better!

[davynavy]

I am happy that there will be another USS America coming down. I always like that name and maybe a USS United States. But then again, why not have a ship named for me: USS David E. Hall. Sounds good.

I always thought there should be a USS Alfred E. Newman, for those special Sailors! :)

[davynavy]

You know maybe there should be some ships that are named for some of the unknown or historical cities in America. Like USS Deadwood, USS Tombstone or USS Dodge City. Or some of the not so well know, like some from Texas. USS Cut N Shoot, USS Uncertain, USS Telephone, USS Gun Barrel City, or my favorite USS Oatmeal.

[xeverex21]

I like the SHITTY KITTY. Very catchy.

[Bruce]

There have been at least two modern naval warships named for Benjamin Franklin -- the USS Franklin (CV-13) and the USS Benjamin Franklin (SSBN 640), one of the original Polaris boomers. Four other vessls from the sail era were named for old Ben. In addition, a second Essex class carrier, the Bon Homme Richard (CV-31), and its original namesake, John Paul Jones' ship, were indirectly named in Franklin's honor as it is a reference to the French title of Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanac. Hence, Ben Franklin is the only person I know to have had two U.S. Navy warships named for him serving simultaneously. Personally, I'd like to find a photo of the USS Franklin that was commissioned in 1817 as a 74-gun ship of the line. That must have been impressive. CV 13 should have been nicknamed the USS Timex because it "took a lickin' and kept on tickin'. In 1945 a Japanese bombing attack left the Franklin with a 13 degree list, no comms and dead in the water. More than 700 of its crewmen were killed by the bombs and fire, and many were thrown overboard. But hundreds stayed aboard, voluntarily, to fight the fires and save their ship. Among these was the ship's chaplain, LCDR Joseph T. O'Callahan, S.J., USNR, who administered the last rites, organized and directed firefighting and rescue parties, and led men down to wet down magazines. He got the Medal of Honor for that. Another MOH winner from that ship was Lt JG Donald A. Gary, who rescued 300 men trapped in a blackened mess compartment. The ship was nearly destroyed, but its crew managed to get it underway again and back home to the states. See http://www.ussfranklin.org/main.htm

So I agree with you. Rather than name a Carrier after a one-term president with a weak record (soon there will be two of those in commission), we should be naming carriers after people and ships like the Franklin.

[PAMICH]

I have always enjoyed Ships named after all the US States and cities and would be my vote for new ships being commissioned. My current favs are USS Chief, USS Klakring, USS THeodore Roosevelt.

[Bruce]

The ship name that gets me is the USS (now USNS) Supply (AOE 6). Rather than name the ship after a city, as was the tradition for that class, they chose to name it after its function. What I'm thinking is that the Navy should solicit companies to purchase naming rights on auxilaries. Imagine, an AFS named USS Frigidaire, or an AO named USS Exxon. Maybe they could name a submarine tender USS Mr. Bubble.

[Roman1017]

Thers should ALWAYS be a Wasp, Hornet, Lexington, Yorktown, Saratoga, Constellation and America, There could be alot more names that should be carried on and I agree with a previous poster that there should be another USS Franklin however it was not named after Ben Franklin but the battle of Franklin TN in the civil war, Whatever happened to names like England, Harry E, Hubbard, Cassin, Downes, Oglala, Why did the naming of ships get so polictical?

[Bruce]

To Roman1017:

The USS Franklin (CV-13) was named for Benjamin Franklin, not the Battle of Franklin, Tenn., according to the Navy Historical Center. See http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/f4/franklin-v.htm

[WARCRIMINAL]

I think we missed the boat (pun intended) when we failed to name CVN-76 the USS AMERICA. How did the upper Navy echelon--in unison with congress--fail to acknowledge the numerical symbolism of “76?”

[MPLisa]

How about: USS Shrillary AG-666. She's full of gas and certainly the hull number has significance.

[Bruce]

How about: USS Shrillary AG-666. She's full of gas and certainly the hull number has significance.

BOOOOOOO!!!!

[MPLisa]

Oh come on, Bruce! A gasoline tanker would be perfect to honor Shrillary, our former president. Hull # 666 is very appropos.

[forcedj]

USS Snatch (ARS-27). In today’s Navy I can’t see a ship being christened with that name again. But it’d be an awesome member of the battle group for the next USS Saratoga. Ships with that name have always been officially nicknamed “The Fighting Cock.”


And, how could any sailor not love a ship named USS Liberty (AGTR 5) ? The only thing better than that would be USS Leave.

Dan

[SHELBY]

I would like to see another USS Coral Sea back out in the fleet to remind todays younger sailors and younger civilians of a Battle won by Americans that stopped an enemy advance and which saved an allied nation from possible invasion during a World War.
Other famous ships were made into Museums at the conclusion of their terms of service but the USS Coral Sea was not given that opportunity and was just cut up into scrap for resale value. Lets do the right thing and rename another new ship "Coral Sea", be it a Ford Class Aircraft Carrier, an LCS, a Zumwalt or Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer, or a San Antonio Class LSD. Let's get the "Coral Sea" name back where it belongs, with the Fleet.

[andersjl]

USS Josephus Daniels, named after the Father of the modern Navy, who believed in a strong Navy & encourage the purchase of the land known today as Naval Station Norfolk. He was also in office as Secretary of the Navy when the Great White Fleet sailed around the world.
I also second the vote for USS Montana. We have 50 states in the country and some have never had a ship named after them yet all have had residents serve & die for the country.

[MPLisa]

Why did we name a DD after Halsey, instead of a CVN?? I would still like to see names of or Naval Heroes:
Butch O'Hare
Ray Spruance
Jack Fletcher
David Porter
John Paul Jones

I've been thinking about possible names for our new LCS's:
USS Eyegouge
USS Indianburn
USS Piledriver
USS Full Nelson
USS Suflex
USS Groinkick
USS Pimplsap
USS Kneecap (the verb, not the noun, you Italians will know what I mean)

[Softstep]

Uss Liberty is a ships name that should be up there. Plus the Saratoga, Essex, Constelation.
Forget about nameing ships after politicians, name some of them after those people who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

[sweetvanity]

Fav Name: USS Impervious!

impervious [to]: adj - unable to be affected by

[NO1REF]

Could we bring back the "USS Vestal", or how about some small towns from the country with unusual names. EX Peaselburg, Rabbit Hash

[tombe]

I think the more traditional names are my favorite. Missing the the Navy's line up today are names like: Yorktown (my favorite) Lexington, Hornet, Saratoga & Ranger. There always should be an aircraft carrier named Enterprise. A fleet with out the Big E just wouldn't be right. I'm very much in favor of a CVN named Halsey , Spruance or Mitcher.

[Battleshort]

Why did we name a DD after Halsey, instead of a CVN?? I would still like to see names of or Naval Heroes:
Butch O'Hare
Ray Spruance
Jack Fletcher
David Porter
John Paul Jones

I've been thinking about possible names for our new LCS's:
USS Eyegouge
USS Indianburn
USS Piledriver
USS Full Nelson
USS Suflex
USS Groinkick
USS Pimplsap
USS Kneecap (the verb, not the noun, you Italians will know what I mean)


There are a few:

USS HALSEY DDG 97, USS KIDD DDG 100, USS JOHN PAUL JONES DDG 53, USS PORTER DDG 78, USS SPRUANCE DDG 111 (soon).

New heros are soon to be honored: JASON DUNHAM DDG 109 and MICHAEL MURPHY DDG 112. (MoHs)

A nostolgic fav: USS Wayne E. Meyer DDG 108 (Father of AEGIS)

My new fav:
USS STOCKDALE DDG 106

[Bruce]

Uss Liberty is a ships name that should be up there. Plus the Saratoga, Essex, Constelation.
Forget about nameing ships after politicians, name some of them after those people who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

I imagine Liberty will be used for one of the planned 55 LCS ships, as the type is already using Freedom and Independence.

[Bruce]

I would like to see another USS Coral Sea back out in the fleet to remind todays younger sailors and younger civilians of a Battle won by Americans that stopped an enemy advance and which saved an allied nation from possible invasion during a World War.
Other famous ships were made into Museums at the conclusion of their terms of service but the USS Coral Sea was not given that opportunity and was just cut up into scrap for resale value. Lets do the right thing and rename another new ship "Coral Sea", be it a Ford Class Aircraft Carrier, an LCS, a Zumwalt or Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer, or a San Antonio Class LSD. Let's get the "Coral Sea" name back where it belongs, with the Fleet.

At first thought, I was thinking that Coral Sea would be a great name for an LHA/D. But then I remembered that those ships are all named for Marine Corps battles. If the CX cruiser ever gets built, it would be an obvious name for that class.

[Pollywog]

I've always enjoyed the term,
"Oliver Hazard Perry class Frigate"

[Bruce]

I don't have a favorite ship name. But I miss the days when you could guess the type of ship by its name. Cruisers were named for cities. Battleships for states. Submarines for fish. Amphibs for counties. Carriers were named for historic war ships and battles. Destroyers were named for (mostly naval) heroes. Tugs were consistently named for indian tribes. And so on. Now there is absolutely no consistency and ships are named more on the basis of politics than identification. As a result, some famous ship names, especially those of WWII submarines, may never be used again.

[WXMAN]

There is a USNS Bob Hope.

I'd like to see a carrier named after a president with a little more historical substance than Bush or Ford... why not John Adams ... the president who oversaw the construction of the original 6 frigates, or the Andrew Jackson "Old Hickory", or even Ulysses S. Grant.

I believe that Ford and Bush were selected for the honor of having a ship named after then because they were both Navy veterans. The presidents above were great men however not Navy men.

[timboslice]

How could any one forget Louis "Chesty" Puller??? he was awarded 5 Navy Crosses. a ship was already named after him. but it was decomissioned and sold to egypt.

[MMONSALE]

My favorite name is the Kitty Hawk. Of course, I served on that ship. But its a great name with alot of history in it.