Where is my ship? That's a common question former Sailors ask. It's important that you know that there have been more than 15,000 ships which have served the United States and the Navy since 1776. The Navy's web site, with certain exceptions, lists only those that are on active duty. For information on active duty ships, please consult:
For ships of the past, you may want to consult the following for information:
- The Navy Fact File
- Aircraft carriers — also has some historical informtion
- Submarines — also has some historical information
The Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships
Another good source for both Present and Past ships information is through the Naval Vessel Register (NVR) website. The NVR website has all Navy/MARAD/Military Sealift Command ships listed on their website including ships which are maintained by NAVSEA Shipbuilding Support Office in any of the Inactive Ships Maintenance Facilities. You can search through their database by a variety of means, such as:
- By Ship Hull Classification Symbol - All ships listed by Hull Classification
- By Ship Name - All ships listed in a Fact file style format
- Donated as a Museum or Memorial