Naming a Submarine: A Guide to Tradition and Creativity

How do you name a submarine?
Submarines (SS and SSN) were either given a class letter and number, as in S-class submarines, or the names of fish and marine mammals. Oilers (AO and AOR) were named for rivers with Native American names, and colliers named for mythical figures. Fast combat support ships (AOE) were named after U.S. cities.
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A long-standing custom that goes back to the earliest days of underwater combat is giving a submarine a name. Submarines were previously given names based on marine life, but names have recently changed. There are many things to think about when naming a submarine, and it can be both an art and a science.

What’s a suitable name for a ship?

A meaningful, distinctive, and memorable ship name is essential. It ought to be consistent with the crew’s morals and the goal of the ship. The USS Nautilus, the first nuclear-powered submarine, and the HMS Dreadnought, which revolutionized submarine design, are two of the most well-known submarine names in history. Submarines with names like the USS Seawolf, USS Virginia, and USS Columbia are also common. How do you come up with a ship’s name?

A ship’s name can be created in a variety of ways. One strategy is to give the ship a name that honors an important figure, location, or moment for the crew or the mission. As an illustration, the USS Jimmy Carter is named after the former president who served in the U.S. Navy as a submariner. The Pennsylvanian city where many of the crew men were born and raised bears the name USS Pittsburgh.

Another strategy is to use a word or phrase that conjures up the function of the vessel. For instance, the USS Ohio is named both for the state in which it was built and launched as well as for the river that traverses the state and empties into the Mississippi River. The USS Los Angeles was given its name both for the city in which it was conceived and launched as well as for the Hollywood way of life that her crew experienced while on shore leave. What are the names of American destroyers?

American destroyers are named after notable historical occurrences as well as individuals who served in the Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. For instance, the USS John S. McCain is named after the senator and former Navy pilot who served as a POW in the Vietnam War. The USS Arleigh Burke bears the name of the admiral who served as a hero in both the Korean War and World War II. Do all submarines have fish-related names?

No, not every submarine has a fish name. While it’s true that some submarines, like the USS Barracuda, USS Shark, and HMS Tuna, are named after fish, there are also some that are. For instance, the USS Indianapolis is named after both the famous World War II ship that was sunk and the Indiana city where it was built and launched.

Finally, naming a submarine is a time-honored custom that calls for careful thought. The purpose of the ship and the crew’s values should be reflected in a memorable, distinctive, and meaningful ship name. While fish names are frequently used for submarines, there are many other possibilities. In the end, a submarine’s name reflects the crew and their objective and ought to motivate everyone who serves on board to do their best.