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United States Military History: 40 Iconic U.S. Navy Ships

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United States have set many records in different fields of the world. But among these records some are very distinct and nobody can forget them. Talking about the United States, we cannot ignore the history of armed forces, whether in the battlefield or showing the love for their land normally.

U.S Navy plays an important role for making the nation proud and safe. They not only serve the nation while wars are happening, but they also help the people in emergency situation. Being a symbol of bravery and honor, U.N Navy has taken part in many activities for making the nation secure and safe.

1. USS Emory S. Land

Image: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Corey Hensley, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

If you do not know about USS Emory S. Land AS-39. Then it is the leader of mini fleet. There are three crafts in Emory S. Land- class where it leads. These naval boats are meant to transfer or keep the resources such as food, electricity and water etc safe.

This USS Emory S. Land always is in the water. And the naval staff in it is always ready to sail if an emergency situation happens. This ship has received several awards throughout its sail/ history. The famous medals like Naval expeditionary, Four Meritorious Unit Commendations, and many battle efficiency awards are given.

2. USS Independence LCS-2

Image: U.S. Navy photo by Naval Air Crewman 2nd Class Nicholas Kontodiakos, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

This combat cruiser is not only the head of independence-class, but it is also having a remarkable position in US navy. It does not sail in deep seas. This is because, its duty is to keep the coastal areas safe and sound and watch over the enemies or predators. This ship also tracks the things that happen underwater and detect the explosives in the sea.

This ship has a remarkable history since 2010, and it has effectively saved the coastal areas from getting attacked. It is serving the nation, and the best part is that the naval officers who are on duty in this cruiser are highly ranked.

3. USS Gerald R. Ford CVN-78

Image: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ridge Leoni, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

If you want to check a massive vessel and the biggest boat that sails on the US coastal areas and under seas. Then this USS Gerald R. Ford CVN-78 is one of the giant ships. It is one of the most remarkable collections by US navy. Moreover, it is used for transportation of Aircraft and was introduced in 2013.

When talking about the ships that are best for US navys’ security. Then it is top ranked. It has an amazing and extensive defense system with two atomic piles in it. Moreover, it is 1,106 feet long and its weight is 100,000 tons.

4. United States Navy Warships

Image: Mass Communication Specialist’s 2nd Class Kristopher Ruiz, Christopher Delano, Ryan Litzenberger, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

US navy not only have big warships. But there are several warships that are small in size but are playing a vital role in making US navy the best. US navy has many small but amazing warships that can take the whole crew faster wherever they want.

These small warships are having all advance features and are ready to tackle any emergency situation. They are always ready to sail and help the US. Moreover, they have best and most advance spy system in them. They have served US armed forces in many wars and battlefields and still they are working on coastal areas.

5. USS Kidd DDG-100

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If you know about Arleigh Burke-class. Then you must have known that how powerful the ships are. USS Kidd is also a member of this class. The name of this craft is after the Rear Admiral Naval officer Sir Isaac C Kidd.  He was a victim of Pearl Harbor attack in WWII. He served the USS Arizona and Kidd was made for honoring him.

It is not only for honoring him but it is the best ship of US navy. It has accomplished several missions including Malasia Airlines Flight 370 mission. This boat saved many people and rescue them just on time. It is not only made for rescuing purpose but also for attacking.

6. USS Ohio SSGN-726

Image: U.S. Navy photo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

US not only has amazing warships. But the submarines are also great. Talking about the submarines, the Ohio division has the best fleet, and it is one of the top class fleets in US navy. USS Ohio SSGN 726 is well known for defending the country. There are 18 separate subs. These subs are nuclear-powered and 4 of them have nuclear weapons too.

This amazing submarine was launched in 1979 and it is still serving the US navy. It is the first and the finest submarine by US navy. Not only this, but there is also a ballistic missile explorer in it.

7. Seawolf-Class Attack Submarine SSN

Image: U.S. Navy photo by Mr. John Narewski, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Another best submarine by US navy is Seawolf-class Attack Submarine. It is the one of the top ranked submarines and lies in category of Virginia class. It is classified as SSN submarine which is nuclear powered and used for multipurpose. It is best in situation of wars. Actually, it was made in replacement of a ship but now it falls in Virginia Class.

The main mechanism behind making these ships was ultimate speed and traveling quickly. Seawolf class was having 29 submarines at start but there are only three of them which are active. Others are saved for backups if needed in an emergency situation.

8. USS America LHA-6

Image: U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Lawrence Grove, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

USS America LHA 6 was a ship that is the first oceanic assault ship of US navy. It was also constructed to replace USS Peleliu LHA-5. It was a member of Tarawa class. It was first crafted for travels and journeys but now it is in between an aircraft and warship connection.

It was launched in sea in the year 2012 and after few years, it was used to tackle the emergency situation. This ship is amazing to tackle the emergency war situations too. It also sails on normal days for transferring things to other ships of US navy. It is no doubt a backbone of US navy.

9. USS Somerset LPD-25

Image: Petty Officer 3rd Class Emiline Senn, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Serving US navy since ages, this amazing ship was crafted to replace Austin Class. It served under San Antonio class of US navy. It is best for transportation of vessels. There are many boats in this class and are serving US navy.  One of the best boats it has id USS Somerset LPD 25. It is named to honor those people who were killed in incident of 9/11.

This amazing ship was crafted in 2014 and it serves mostly in San Diego. It is for rescuing and helping in emergency situations. This ship is best as it carries 800 passengers and it has weight of 25,000 tons.

10. GHOST Ship

Image: Bloomberg/YouTube

Well if you believe in ghosts or not, but US navy believes in GHOST that it can save them in emergency situations. It is one of the best vessels that is always ready to guard US navy. It is also well known as Stealth Ship of the Future. It is a think tank of Juliet Marine Systems having 4k HP engines.

It is not an amazing boat but it is one of the fastest US Navy boats. It is best for wars because it is unable to be detected by Radars. It can fly in the water with maximum speed and just like its name, it has amazing powers and it is very difficult to capture.

11. USS Enterprise CVN-65

Image: Official Navy Page from United States of AmericaMass Communication Specialist Seaman Harry Andrew D. Gordon/U.S. Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

USS enterprise CVN 65 is decommissioned. But it was one of the best marine ships by US navy. It was in Nimitz class of US navy and was well known for being the longest marine of the world.  Not only this, but it was best for wars and battles. It ran over nuclear power and it was one of the heaviest marines. It is the 12th heaviest mass carrier of the world.

It was also used for Naval officers and also for Famous Naval Enterprise. The slogans it had were Eight Reactors, None faster, the first and the finest and we are legend etc. But it was recommissioned in the year 2017.

12. USS Wasp LHD-1

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Wasp Class Vessels are also the one who are famous in US navy. USS Wasp LHD 1 is known as the leaders of the Wasp class vessels. Basically it was crafted for transportation of the naval members behind enemy lines and attack them. This ship is amazing for wars as it has 0.50 caliber M2HB machine guns. Moreover, there are 4 missile systems in it.

The very first ship was introduced by US navy in 1987 and it was launched in water in month of August. The motto of the ship was “Honor, Tradition, and Excellence”. It was completely created in year 1989 in the month of July.

13. USS George H. W. Bush CVN-77

Image: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Micah P. Blechner, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Even if you do not know about the history of UN very well, you must be well aware that USS George H W Bush CVN 77 was named after the 41st president of America Mr. GW Bush. No doubt he was the best president and this ship was made in honor of him as the way he served as naval aviator in WWII. It also falls in Nimitz class vessels.

This ship serves in Virginia port and is neighbor of USS Wasp. The pet name of this amazing boat is Avenger. Its motto is Freedom at Work. It has served US navy many times and still is in commission.

14. USS Nimitz CVN-68

Image: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Denny Cantrell, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

US navy has no doubt an amazing collection of boats and ships. Talking about USS Nimitz CVN 68 is the nuclear powered ship. As the name indicates, it falls in Nimitz class. It was first launched in year 1972 and has one of the largest classification. It is still in use and there are many new technologies in it.

As it is nuclear powered, so you have to refuel it only once after every 50 years. It also has another name that is Old Salt. Moreover, the motto of this ship is Teamwork, a tradition. It is well known for transporting the weapons of US navy.

15. Ohio-Class Ballistic Missile Submarines

Image: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Williamson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

US naval submarines are no doubt amazing with the best features in them. If we talk about Ohio-class of United States Navy submarine, then it has amazing features. It has 14 ballistic rocket submarines in it and it not only incredible for war but it also has an amazing look. Not only this, it is also well known for being a storage space for nuclear projects in WWII.

It is also known for launching the projectiles intercontinentally. This submarine remains undetected and this thing is amazing. It is easy to operate and also one of the fast submarines with latest technologies installed in them.

16. USS Midway CV-41

Image: PH2 (NAC) A.E. Rochells, USN, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

USS midway CV 41 was launched in 1945. It was the month of March. It is in the Midway class and it was launched just before the WWII ended. It was ordered on immediate terms to be made. It was also known as the largest boats of the world until year 1955. It was one of the best boats of US navy.

It was very large that even it was unable to fit through Panama Canal. But it still served the US navy for years. It was on duty until 1992. This giant ship is now a part of USS Midway Museum Exhibition in San Diego.

17. USS Los Angeles SSN-688

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USS Los Angles SSN 688 was known as the attack submarine, and it was one of the most remarkable submarines. It was also the only debut submarine that was ejected from Los Angeles. It is also known for being the best attacking submarine

The president Jimmy Carter also took the submarine ride with Lady Rosalynn. It is one of the eldest submarine, and it was in use of US navy since year 2007. After 5 years, it was deconstructed and after that it was recycled, and now it is again in use. Moreover, it is well known for serving the US navy over decades.

18. Virginia-Class Attack Submarine SSN-774

Image: U.S. Navy photo by General Dynamics Electric Boat, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Virginia Class Attack Submarine SSN 774 is known for traveling across the foreign waters. It was made for the sea battle and to cope up in emergency situations. It is in Virginia Class vessels, and it is one of the well-equipped and most powerful submarines of US navy. It was crafted to replace the LA class submarines.

It has the latest technology, and it has many advance features in it too. It can withstand until year 2060 and all submarines of this class and under this fleet are active currently. Moreover, there are 14 submarines under this fleet having the latest technology.

19. USS Ticonderoga DDG/CG-47

Image: Camera Operator: CIV STACEY BYINGTON, USNOriginally uploaded to en.wikipedia by RadicalBender on October 2, 2004Updated by Dual Freq on November 19, 2007, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The USS Ticonderoga DDG/CG-47 is well known ship by American navy. It has amazing Aegis combat systems. These systems easily targets and monitors other boats and ships at the same time. It is one of the primary ships of Ticonderoga Class. It is at the front row and it shows the way to other ships and boats.

It was decommissioned in the year 2004. But before that, it was having nicknames like Tico and First Aegis Cruiser. The US navy recycled it to build new submarine. But it is still inactive in naval ship department and no recycling process is occurring.

20. USS Freedom LCS-1

Image: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Karolina A. Oseguera, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

There are some events where UN needs extra security. Moreover, they also need an amazing defense system along the shores. In such cases, they call USS freedom LCS 1. Freedom class is always there to serve on the shores. There are the best combat boats. They are always on the shorelines and always ready to combat with any emergency situation.

The freedom class ships have been in use for many coastline missions to help the US and serve the US navy. These ships are best for transporting the humanitarian aid and also for sweeping mines. They are not meant to fight or be defensive against enemies. But they support a lot in emergency situations.

21. USS Chief MCM-14

Image: MC1 Frank L. Andrews, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

If you want something interesting in US navy, then you must know about Avenger class. It consists of 14 large vessels, and they are mainly used for sweeping the mines. They sweep the mines throughout the main waterways. It helps in driving the collection of the ships safely throughout the waves.

USS Chief MCM 14 is the member of USS pacific class. It has a design that helps in safety of the ship if any attack occurs. It was crafted from wood and the plastic-reinforced glass. It was launched in year 1993 and was launched by Sasebo in Japan. The vessel is still at the same port.

22. USS Harpers Ferry LSD-49

Image: United States Navy, Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ty Swartz, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Harpers Ferry plays a significant role in USS naval history. It is a town in West Virginia and it was a landmark in Civil war. That is why USS Harpers Ferry LSD 49 have been introduced as name of the down. This class have amazing vessels in it and the main slogan of these are First In freedom.

Although this ship is named after a small town, but it has unique historic significance. This ferry is equipped with missile launchers, rapid fire cannons and also best machine guns of the history. Moreover, this ship also gave emergency aids to Philippines and Burma.

23. USS Arleigh Burke DDG-51

Image: U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Patrick Reilly, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

This amazing naval ship named as USS Arleigh Burke DDG 51 was announced to be created for American Independence day in year 1991. But soon, the best thing happened when it was having the guided-missile launchers. It is now the fastest ship that darts away the enemies quickly.

This USS Arleigh Burke DDG 51 is well known of identifying the missiles and avoid them. It has gained the slogan Fast and Feared because of its specs. It is one of the best combat ships that have gained a worldwide popularity due to advance features and great working. It’s one of the best naval inventions.

24. USS Turner Joy DD-951

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US Navy has an amazing class called as Forest Sherman Class which have amazing vessels from 1950s. There are total 18 ships in this class. USS Turner Joy DD 951 was also launched on the water in 1958 in the month of May. This ship has a remarkable history and it was named after the vice admiral named as Charles Turner Joy. He was veteran in WWII and the Korean War.

This ship took part in almost seen many wars in American history. It has served in the Pacific Ocean as a combat ship. And also took part in Vietnam War. It was professionally recycled in year 1982.

25. USS Peleliu LHA-5

Image: United States Navy, Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kerryl Cacho, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

This ship was named as USS Khe Sanh and USS Da Nang and it was a massive combat ship. It got the name Peleliu in WWII. But the names are still in use. It was deemed in the Tarawa class. After serving the US navy for years, it has now been decommissioned.

It was also a defender in 1980s and other wars and protected the US from enemy attacks. There are many titles given to this ship. It gained the famous titles like Fighting Five, Iron Nickel and it also has the best motto. Its title lines are Peace through Power or you may say Pax per Potens.

26. USS Samuel B. Roberts DE-413

Image: Naval History & Heritage Command, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The USS Samuel B. Roberts DE-413 is also one of the oldest ship and also a war hero. It was launched in water in year 1944. A war hero named Samuel navigated the aircraft in directions of the enemy in the year 1942. Due to his services, he was given the Navy Cross and this ship was named in the honor of that great officer.

Although this ship served for years in American navy but unfortunately it sank in the water in year 1994 on October 25. It was during the Battle of Leyte Gulf by Japanese warships. Unfortunately 90 people were dead.

27. USS Santa Fe SSN-763

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The USS Santa Fe SSN-763 was launched in sea in year 1992. It was in the Los Angeles Class and is one of the best underwater explorers. There are total 30 submarines in Los Angeles Class, and it is one of them. Although it was launched in 1992, but it came functional in 1994. This boat was launched to send missiles from sea to land.

It was 361 feet long and was an amazing submarine. In 1997 this submarine was sent for active combat in the Pacific Ocean. It was one of the best submarines by US navy and the cruiser have got 5 naval awards for the best and most advanced actions.

28. The USS Zumwalt DDG-1000

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If you have looked into its pictures, the USS Zumwalt looks like a massive concrete block in the middle of the water. It is twice the combat ship and aircraft carrier. Moreover, it is one of the best and robust boats of US Navy. It performs the best services and carry out several missions that also include anti-aircraft and guided-missile launching.

When talking about missile launching, this ship is the best as it reaches the target at distance that is almost 83 miles far. Its price is between $3 to $ 4 billion. It is currently at the port of San Diego.

29. USS Hurricane PC-3

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USS Hurricane is the member of cyclone class of the Navy. Its first sail was set in June 1992. It was one of the longest ships and it was the third one created in Cyclone Class. It was designed to protect the shores and it had been a major part of US navy.

Although it is large in size but it is not big as compared to other ships of US navy. But we must say that it is still the best. As it was having everything that is needed for a ship. The main thing about this ship is that it is equipped with the best grenade launchers.

30. USS Lewis B. Puller ESB-3

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USS Lewis B. Puller ESB 3 is one of the best naval ships of US. This ship is well known for its mission to Bahrain in year 2017. It took the place of USS Ponce AFSB. It joined as a member of Fifth Fleet of US and also went on the primary Expeditionary Mobile base of US navy. 

USS Lewis B. Puller ESB 3 is not only one of the best and most recognized ship of US but it was utilized as mobile landing platform and also as Afloat Forward Staging Base. It is basically a floating parking lot and its sides open where most of the boats are parked.

31. USS Abraham Lincoln CVN-72

Image: Official Navy Page from United States of AmericaMCSN Zachary S. Welch/U.S. Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

If you are wondering what is USS Abraham Lincoln CVN 72.  It is the aircraft carrier of US navy and is Nimitz Class ranked as number 5th. It is based in the port of San Diego, which is famous naval port of US. The class this craft belongs to is having the largest ships of the world. These ships have the most expensive deck and can carry many aircrafts at the same time.

This ship is crafted in such a way that it helps in multitude operations. The operations like intercepting the foreign threat and quick aid are done by this ship.

32. USS Antietam CG-54

Image: Camera Operator: PH3 JOHN DECOURSEY, USN, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

This ship has a great impact on US navy over many years. It is one of the most historic ships of US navy. It is the third Antietam in the history of world navy. The first Antietam was crafted for civil war efforts, second was crafted in WWII to pacific action. It is the third and latest Antietam that was commissioned in navy in year 1987.

It was deployed in the Arabian Gulf during the operation called Desert Shield. It has got many awards to. This unique historic ship is now in Japan. And it is still serving the US navy.

33. USS Bataan LHD-5

Image: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan Steinhour, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

USS Bataan, one of the most well-known naval ships is serving US navy since 1997. It is almost 840 feet long and can bear up to 40,500 tons weight. It was first commissioned in US navy in 1997 and it was crafted in $731.

Bataan is one of the most remarkable ships of US navy that has seen many corners of the world. Firstly, in 9/11 it was deployed on the Pakistani coast. After that, it was one of the vessels that were used in the battle with Iraq. But it was not only used in military battles but it was also used to aid others. Especially it helped during assault of pacific.

34. USS Anzio CG-68

Image: U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Miguel Angel Contreras, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Ticonderoga class is one of the high tech classes of US navy. This USS Anzio CG 68 is also a guided missile cruiser from this class of US navy. It was named in WWII when there was invasion of Italy. The time when allied troops invaded in 1944. After that it was used until 1983. It is a massively big ship.

It has the fastest speed and it is the mighty ship. Moreover, it can easily clock 30 knots per hour and it requires 80,000 shafts HP. The length of this enormous ship is 550 feet and it houses 30 officers.

35. USS Blue Ridge LCC-19

Image: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Rachel N. Hatch, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

This is another next level ship build by US navy. This is an ultimate command ship that naval forces made using all the technological knowledge. Moreover, according to worldwide resources, it is one of the most capable ship that is up-to-date and best in its class. Its motto is always ready, and yes it is.

This great ship became warship in year 1970. Moreover, this amazing ship has spent most time in Pacific Ocean. It was docked in the San Diego’s port for 8 years. It remained there and after that it was moved to Japan in the city Yokosuka.

36. USS Boxer LHD-4

Image: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Trevor Welsh, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

USS boxer was sent into the seas in1990s and since then it is doing action in the water. It has been deployed around 15 times in last two decades. Even some deployments went more than 8 months. It was one of the famous assault ships of US navy.

This amazing ship has taken the members to many places like South and central America, Persian Gulf and Coast of Somalia. It has not only taken part in military operations but also has participated in Anti Piracy Task Force. Moreover, it has handled the myriad crises thrown too. It also have got more than 15 awards.

37.  US Naval Academies

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The naval academies of US are known worldwide. They are the best and have the more brilliant officers. It is the dream of every citizen of US to become part of navy because of its excellence, honor and a class. There are many officers who are in US navy and serving the navy since ages.

The naval academies teach the naval officers the main discipline. Moreover, they are also taught for self-defense, how to be prepared for quick actions and how can they help the citizens of US in crises. As they have to protect the sea, so mostly academy are near the ports.

38. US Navy, One of the Most Expensive Armed Forces

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US never compromise over dignity, status and a better standard. For this reason US have set the extreme standards. The armed forces of US are top ranked. And US navy has got the best standards of all the time. Out of many naval forces, US Navy is top ranked.

It is one of the most expensive armed forces. There is the budget set in billions for US navy on annual basis. Not only this but everything in US navy costs millions and billions. Even the small cruisers are also having price in millions. And it is necessary to maintain the standards.

39. Naval Troops

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If you want to know that what are the best troops of the world. Then you might have heard that naval troops of US are the best with excellence and best performance. They are well trained and are ready for any quick actions and emergency situations. Naval troops are no doubt the best and well trained.

The officers know how to play in the water and defeat the enemies. Being on water and fighting on the water is not an easy thing to do. It requires a lot of courage and effort. Naval troops are well trained to fight in the open waters.