<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article includes a list of references, but its sources remain unclear because it has insufficient inline citations . Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations . (May 2008) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article includes a list of references, but its sources remain unclear because it has insufficient inline citations . Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations . (May 2008) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> The names of commissioned ships of the United States Navy all start with USS, for "United States Ship". Non-commissioned, primarily civilian - manned vessels of the U.S. Navy under the Military Sealift Command have names that begin with USNS, standing for "United States Naval Ship". A letter - based hull classification symbol is used to designate a vessel's type . The names of ships are selected by the Secretary of the Navy . The names are those of states, cities, towns, important persons, important locations, famous battles, fish, and ideals . Usually, different types of ships have names originated from different types of sources . </P> <P> Modern aircraft carriers and submarines use nuclear reactors for power . See United States naval reactors for information on classification schemes and the history of nuclear - powered vessels . </P>

Types of ships used by the us navy