Originally posted by Bluedog
While we are on the subject, could someone please explain to me what the lettering actually means ?
Is CV Carrier Vessel?
Why is a Destroyer a DD? shouldnt it be DST or something?
What about CA? .....CrewsA?
BB?? Big Boat?
Blue
The CV designation is a hold over from the time the US Navy had carriers for both aircraft and airships (blimps). The V is the Navy's symbol for heavier-than-aircraft and Z is the designation for lighter-than-air blimps. Since the US Navy no longer operations blimp carriers (CZ), all we have now are CVs.
The reason why destroyers are DDs is because when there isn't a suffix used in the designation, the first letter is repeated. But what makes it confusing is that at a later date, a suffix can be added to an existing designation, such as DDG (Guided Missile Destroyer).
The letters themselves might not individually stand for anything, it is the designation as a whole that has some assigned meaning or definition. Adding to the confusion, the Navy can also change the definitions without changing the designation.
Ack-Ack