Unveiling the Naming Traditions of Naval Ships: USS Sally Ride and More

Have you ever marveled at the names of naval ships, wondering why some are named after famous individuals while others are simply assigned numbers? This article explores the fascinating world of naval ship naming traditions, with a special focus on why USS Sally Ride remains unnamed and honors the importance of both names and hull numbers in maritime history.

The Importance of Names and Numbers in Naval Vessels

The vast majority of naval vessels are given both a name and a hull number. The name, often assigned during the christening ceremony, is chosen by the Navy and is meant to honor significant figures, places, or events. However, a significant portion of naval vessels are also given a hull number because names are reused over time, making hull numbers a critical means of identifying individual ships clearly. Let's delve deeper into why this is so.

Hull Numbers: A Statistical and Historical Necessity

Hull numbers are assigned to ships when they are ordered or contracted. They are relatively fixed and unique for each vessel, unlike names which can be reused. This system is crucial for maintenance, inventory, and operational tracking, especially when ships serve for extended periods and undergo decommissioning processes. For example, the USS John F. Kennedy, a Kittyhawk class carrier with hull number CV-67, was decommissioned and designated for scrapping, a process that can take years to complete. As of 2024, a new USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) is under construction, showcasing how hull numbers ensure clear identification throughout each ship's lifecycle.

Names: Honoring Heroes, History, and Heritage

Nameless ships exist, particularly those in service during earlier conflicts where a standard naming system was less prevalent. For instance, during WWII, both the U.S. and German navies often referred to submarines solely by their hull numbers. German submarines were designated U-XXX, while U.S. submarines were SS-XXX. This practice reflects a time when ships were numbered and labeled in a more straightforward manner, without the complex naming traditions established in modern navies.

In most modern navies, names are much more symbolic and carry deep meanings. They often honor individuals of significance, such as historical figures, fallen heroes, or those who have made notable contributions to the nation’s service. This is why the USS Sally Ride stands out: a proud, modern, and breaking-the-tradition honor that aims to bridge the gap of underrepresented figures in naval history.

The USS Sally Ride: A Symbol of Innovation and Gender Equality

The absence of a named ship for a significant historical figure, like the novelist Ursula K. Le Guin, is often noticed in a time when such figures are celebrated. However, the USS Sally Ride (USS Sally Ride) is a beacon of progress. Sally Ride became the first American woman to travel to space, pioneering the path for future women astronauts. Named in her honor, the USS Sally Ride is not only a ship but a legacy, symbolizing ongoing efforts towards gender equality in the United States Navy and beyond.

The USS Sally Ride (USS S-461) was a Seawolf-class submarine, named after Sally Ride to commemorate her contributions. This decision underscored the Navy's commitment to recognizing gender diversity and honoring those who have broken barriers.

More Examples of Named and Numbered Ships

As of 2023, the next U.S. Navy carrier will be the USS Enterprise (CVN-80), set to be delivered in 2028. This ship is the seventh in the line of Enterprise-class carriers, symbolizing both the Navy's choice to reuse names for established types of vessels and the ongoing tradition of naming ships in honor of significant figures. Before her, the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) embarked on numerous missions and became a legendary symbol of American naval power and innovation.

Similarly, submarines such as the USS Oklahoma City (SSN-723) and USS Oklahoma City (CL-91) showcase the dual nature of naval vessel names and numbers. The former is a nuclear-powered submarine, the 723rd of its class, while the latter was a Light Cruiser commissioned in 1959. This naming and reclassification process highlights the complex history and evolution of naval ships over decades.

Conclusion

The naming and numbering of naval ships are a blend of history, tradition, and progress. While names honor significant individuals and events, hull numbers provide a system of identification that is crucial for operational needs and historical tracking. The story of USS Sally Ride stands as a testament to breaking barriers and recognizing the contributions of notable individuals, ensuring that inspiring figures like her are remembered and celebrated in the annals of naval history.

Whether named or numbered, each naval vessel plays a vital role in safeguarding national interests and upholding the spirit of exploration and innovation. As naval technology advances and societal norms evolve, the naming and numbering traditions continue to evolve, reflecting the ongoing dedication of the U.S. Navy to both historical continuity and modern progress.