With more than 324,000 active personnel, the U.S. Navy is the largest navy of any country in the world. It’s responsible for carrying out naval operations and protecting the country from foreign threats. However, there are probably some things you don’t know about the U.S. Navy, which we’re going to reveal in this blog post.
#1) The Secretary of the Navy Names Ships
Since 1819, the Secretary of the Navy has been responsible for naming new ships. This process typically involves suggestions from the public, Navy servicemembers and veterans, after which the Chief of Naval Operations recommends the list to the Secretary. The Secretary then chooses a name from that list.
#2) Aircraft Carriers Weight up to 90,000 Tons
To say aircraft carriers in the U.S. Navy are heavy would be an understatement. Depending on the specific class and what it’s carrying, it’s not uncommon for aircraft carriers to weigh up to 90,000 tons.
#3) A Dozen Aircraft Carriers
Some countries like France and India only have a single aircraft carrier in operation. The U.S. Navy, however, has a dozen. Technically, the U.S. Navy has 11 aircraft carriers in service and one in a reserve fleet. These massive nuclear-powered ships allow the U.S. Navy to project its power throughout the world.
#4) Uniforms are Navy Blue and White
The first Navy uniforms were issued to soldiers in 1802, when the Navy Department was officially formed. Since then, however, the uniforms have undergone countless changes. Today, the primary colors used in Navy uniforms are navy blue and white.
#5) Largest Naval Complex is 1.1 Million Acres
According to the U.S. Navy’s official website, the largest naval complex in operation is the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in California. It spans approximately 1.1 million acres of land. To put that number into perspective, it’s about one-third the size of the Navy’s total land holdings.
#6) Nine Naval Ranks
There are nine ranks in the U.S. Navy, including Admiral, Vice-Admiral, Rear-Admiral, Captain, Commander, Lieutenant Commander, Lieutenant, Junior Grade Lieutenant and Ensign. Ensign, of course, is the lowest rank, whereas Admiral is the highest rank.
#7) Guided Missile Cruisers
The U.S. Navy’s guided missile cruisers are powerful ships that weight between 9,000 and 11,000 tons and span up to 600 feet in length. There are approximately 35 officers and 550 servicemembers aboard each of these guided missile cruisers, whom are responsible for carrying out operations like anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-surface and anti-ship operations.
You can learn more about the U.S. Navy and how to enlist by visiting https://www.navy.com/joining.html.
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About the author
Barry Mason is a proud third-generation American whose grandfather served in World War II. Born and raised in small-town Tennessee, Barry developed a deep appreciation for American history and traditions from an early age, learning about the sacrifices made by previous generations. Barry has spent over a decade writing about flag etiquette, patriotic traditions, military history, and the stories behind America's most cherished symbols. When he's not researching the fascinating history of Old Glory, you can find Barry volunteering at veterans' events, coaching youth baseball, or exploring America's national parks with his family. A firm believer in supporting American manufacturing and small businesses, Barry is passionate about celebrating the craftspeople who keep American traditions alive. He lives with his wife and two children in a home where the American flag flies proudly every day. Favorite quote: "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction." - Ronald Reagan
