The Secretary of the Navy, under the direction of the President and in accordance with congressional guidelines, traditionally selects and announces names for U.S. Navy ships. While long-standing conventions guide the naming of different ship classes, exceptions are not uncommon—especially when honoring individuals. Some critics have argued that recent naming decisions reflect a departure from or inconsistency with historical traditions.
Below is a summary of current naming practices for major ship classes actively being procured or recently named, based on the Congressional Research Service report dated December 4, 2025.
Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBN-826 Class – Columbia Class)
- The first three boats are named District of Columbia, Wisconsin, and Groton.
Attack Submarines (SSN-774 Class – Virginia Class)
- Historically named primarily for U.S. states.
- Since 2020, the most recent 13 boats have honored earlier U.S. Navy submarines, a former Secretary of the Navy, an island, cities, a river, and a New York City borough.
Aircraft Carriers
- Of the 17 most recently named carriers, 12 honor past U.S. Presidents and 2 honor Members of Congress.
Destroyers (Arleigh Burke Class and successors)
- Named for deceased members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, including former Secretaries of the Navy.
Constellation-Class Frigates (FFG-62)
- The first six ships honored individuals and vessels from the Revolutionary War and early republic eras.
- The seventh and eighth honored 20th-century naval figures.
- Note: On November 25, 2025, the Navy announced it was shifting away from the original FFG-62 program and canceled construction of the third through sixth ships.
Amphibious Assault Ships (LHA – America Class)
- Named for major U.S. Marine Corps battles, early U.S. Navy sailing ships, or World War II-era aircraft carriers.
San Antonio-Class Amphibious Transport Docks (LPD-17)
- Named for major U.S. cities and communities, including those attacked on September 11, 2001.
Medium Landing Ships (LSM)
- The lead ship of the new class honors a Marine Corps major killed in action in Iraq in 2006.
John Lewis-Class Fleet Replenishment Oilers (TAO-205)
- Named for prominent civil rights and human rights leaders.
Ocean Surveillance Ships (TAGOS-25 Class – Explorer)
- Named for individuals who made significant discoveries under the sea, on land, and in the skies.
Navajo-Class Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ships (TATS-6)
- Named for prominent Native Americans and Native American tribes.
Expeditionary Fast Transports (EPF)
- Named for small U.S. cities and counties.
Expeditionary Medical Ships (EMS)
- Named for U.S. military (primarily Navy) medical facilities and their distinguished staff.
Expeditionary Transport Docks (ESD) and Expeditionary Sea Bases (ESB)
- Named for people or places of historical significance to the U.S. Marine Corps.
These conventions continue to evolve, balancing tradition, historical commemoration, and recognition of notable individuals and events in American history.