How Many Boats Does the Navy Have?
The United States Navy is one of the largest and most technologically advanced naval forces in the world. With a diverse fleet of ships and submarines, the Navy plays a critical role in maintaining peace and security around the globe. But just how many boats does the Navy have? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Navy’s fleet and provide a breakdown of its various vessels.
Direct Answer: How Many Boats Does the Navy Have?
As of 2022, the United States Navy has a total of 490 ships and submarines in its active fleet. This number includes:
- 77 aircraft carriers
- 71 cruisers
- 62 destroyers
- 71 submarines
- 12 amphibious assault ships
- 11 amphibious transport docks
- 33 dock landing ships
- 19 amphibious command ships
- 12 patrol craft
- 6 icebreakers
- 2 oceanographic research ships
Ships by Class
Here is a breakdown of the Navy’s ships by class:
Class | Number of Ships |
---|---|
Aircraft Carriers | 77 |
Cruisers | 71 |
Destroyers | 62 |
Submarines | 71 |
Amphibious Assault Ships | 12 |
Amphibious Transport Docks | 11 |
Dock Landing Ships | 33 |
Amphibious Command Ships | 19 |
Patrol Craft | 12 |
Icebreakers | 6 |
Oceanographic Research Ships | 2 |
Aircraft Carriers
The Navy’s 77 aircraft carriers are among its most iconic and impressive vessels. These ships serve as floating airbases, providing a platform for fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft to take off and land. The carriers are:
- Nimitz-class: 10 ships
- Gerald R. Ford-class: 4 ships
- Kitty Hawk-class: 4 ships (being decommissioned)
Cruisers
The Navy’s 71 cruisers are multi-mission warships that provide air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and strike capabilities. The cruisers are:
- Ticonderoga-class: 22 ships
- Burke-class: 34 ships
- Arleigh Burke-class: 16 ships
- Los Angeles-class: 1 ship
Destroyers
The Navy’s 62 destroyers are multi-mission warships that provide anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and strike capabilities. The destroyers are:
- Arleigh Burke-class: 61 ships
- Arleigh Burke-class (Littoral Combat Ship variant): 1 ship
Submarines
The Navy’s 71 submarines are designed for various missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike capabilities. The submarines are:
- Los Angeles-class: 62 ships
- Virginia-class: 6 ships
- Ohio-class (ballistic missile submarines): 4 ships
- Triton-class (attack submarines): 1 ship
Amphibious Ships
The Navy’s 35 amphibious ships are designed to transport troops, equipment, and aircraft to and from the shore. The amphibious ships are:
- Wasp-class amphibious assault ships: 7 ships
- America-class amphibious assault ships: 2 ships
- San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks: 11 ships
- Austin-class amphibious transport docks: 2 ships
- Harlan County-class dock landing ships: 2 ships
- Cape Louis Jacques-class dock landing ships: 2 ships
Patrol Craft
The Navy’s 12 patrol craft are designed for coastal patrol and surveillance. The patrol craft are:
- Fast Patrol Boats: 6 ships
- Patrol Craft Coastal: 4 ships
- Towboat: 1 ship
- Shallow Water Logistics: 1 ship
Icebreakers
The Navy’s 6 icebreakers are designed to break through ice and provide clearance for other ships. The icebreakers are:
- Mackinaw-class icebreakers: 3 ships
- Healy-class icebreakers: 3 ships
Oceanographic Research Ships
The Navy’s 2 oceanographic research ships are designed to conduct scientific research in the ocean. The research ships are:
- Stellwagen-class oceanographic research ships: 2 ships
Conclusion
The United States Navy’s fleet of 490 ships and submarines is a force to be reckoned with. From aircraft carriers and cruisers to submarines and amphibious assault ships, the Navy’s diverse fleet provides a wide range of capabilities to support national security and defense. Whether on the high seas or in coastal waters, the Navy’s ships play a critical role in maintaining peace and security around the world.