The surface fleet consists of many different types of ships, each contributing in their own unique ways to the success of the Navy as a whole. The abbreviation for each subtype of ship within each main type is written below.
• Cruisers (CG&CGN) protect the fleet from airborne threats by using their advanced AEGIS radars and anti-air missile systems, and also have the capability of striking targets ashore with their deck guns and long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles.In military terminology, a cruiser is a large warship capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously. Modern United States Navy guided missile cruisers (CG and CGN hull classification symbols) perform primarily in a Battle Force role. These ships are multi-mission -- anti-aircraft (AAW), anti-submarine (ASW), and anti-surface (ASUW) surface combatants capable of supporting carrier battle groups, amphibious forces, or of operating independently and as flagships of surface action groups.
• Destroyers (DD/DDG) - protect the fleet from surface and submarine threats; many also have AEGIS, .These fast warships provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities, and can operate independently or as part of carrier battle groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups, and underway replenishment groups.Guided missile destroyers are multi-mission [Anti-Air Warfare (AAW), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW)] surface combatants. The destroyer's armament has greatly expanded the role of the ship in strike warfare utilizing the MK-41 Vertical Launch System (VLS).
• Frigates (FFG) - small, tough convoy escort ships that provide anti-air and anti-submarine protection. Frigates fulfill a Protection of Shipping (POS) mission as Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) combatants for amphibious expeditionary forces, underway replenishment groups and merchant convoys.
The guided missile frigates (FFG) bring an anti-air warfare (AAW) capability to the frigate mission, but they have some limitations. Designed as cost efficient surface combatants, they lack the multi-mission capability necessary for modern surface combatants faced with multiple, high-technology threats. They also offer limited capacity for growth. Despite this, the FFG 7 class is a robust platform, capable of withstanding considerable damage. This "toughness" was aptly demonstrated when USS Samuel B. Roberts struck a mine and USS Stark was hit by two Exocet cruise missiles. In both cases the ships survived, were repaired and returned to the fleet
• Aircraft Carriers (CV/CVN) -Aircraft carriers provide a wide range of possible response for the National Command Authority.Home to over seventy aircraft, ranging from F35,F22 raptors, F/A-18 strike fighters and F-14 interceptors, to S-3B sub-hunters, EA-6B radar-jammers, and E-2C early-warning/command and control aircraft.
The Carrier Mission is:
- To provide a credible, sustainable, independent forward presence and conventional deterrence in peacetime,
- To operate as the cornerstone of joint/allied maritime expeditionary forces in times of crisis, and
- To operate and support aircraft attacks on enemies, protect friendly forces and engage in sustained independent operations in war.
The Nimitz-class carriers, nine operational and one under construction, are the largest warships in the world
• Amphibious Ships (LHA/LHD/LPD/LSD)
- carry up to 2,000 Marines, and their equipment, vehicles, and supplies. The Amphibious Assault subtype, or LHA's and LHD's, double as small aircraft carriers that are home to various kinds of helicopters and the Harrier vertical take-off and landing jet fighter. The LHA's, LHD's, and LSD's all carry modern, high-speed Landing Craft, Air-Cushion (LCAC) to ferry Marines and their gear ashore.
• Minesweepers (MCM/MHC/MCS) - detect and clear naval mines from areas in which other ships soon will be operating.
• Patrol Craft (PC) - small, speedy ships that patrol coastlines as well as insert and support SEAL special operations forces ashore.
• AuxiliarShips (AE/AOy /AOE/AS/ARS) - keep the fleet supplied with fuel, ammunition, food, and other crucial stores needed on long-term forward deployments.