BB: An Abbreviation for Battleships in the U.S. Navy

Introduction

In the context of the U.S. Navy, BB stands for Battleship. This article aims to clarify the meaning of this abbreviation and its significance in the classification of naval vessels.

BB: A Hull Classification Symbol

The individual letters of BB do not have individual meanings, but rather they form part of a hull classification symbol. These symbols do not denote individual functions or acronyms.

The hull classification symbol BB was used to denote battleships in the U.S. Navy. It is important to understand that these designations are not just abbreviations but are systematically used to classify various types of naval vessels.

Hull Types and Classification

Before diving into the BB classification, it is beneficial to understand the broader system of hull classification symbols used by the U.S. Navy. Here are some examples of these symbols:

CV: Aircraft Carrier DD: Destroyer SS: Submarine AO: Fleet Oilers AT: Fleet Tugs

While seemingly simple, these symbols are not representative of individual words. They are used to denote specific types of naval vessels and functions.

Details of BB Classification

The initial B in BB stands for battleships. The U.S. Navy utilized two distinct classifications within the B Series: Battleships (BB) and Monitors (BM).

Battleships were the primary surface combatants in the U.S. Navy, and they were designed to engage other capital ships in naval warfare. The following classification details provide an overview of the BB designation:

Battleship (BB): The baseline designation for U.S. battleships, which often used a repeat number combination. Monitors (BM): These ships had a similar designation but served different purposes, optimized for shore bombardment.

It is also worth noting that the U.S. Navy maintained a consistent system of classification for various types of vessels. For instance, the destroyer classification used DD, while frigates were designated FF. Submarines, historically, were designated SS.

Evolution of Classification

During World War II, some types received designations that appeared mnemonic, such as LST (Landing Ship, Tank) and LSD (Landing Ship, Dock). However, the fundamental principle remains the same: these symbols are designations, not acronyms or abbreviated words.

For example:

LPD: Does not stand for Landing Platform Dock. The L denotes amphibious, P denotes personnel transport, and D denotes well deck.

The BB designation is particularly significant as it signifies the lineage of battleships within the U.S. Navy. Despite the decommissioning of battleships in the later years, BB remains a storied symbol representing a era of naval power and technology.

Historical Context

The implementation of the hull classification system in 1920 introduced a standard for categorizing and designating naval vessels. This system allowed for a clear and consistent manner to refer to different types of ships.

Initially, the U.S. Navy classified its battleships with the BB designation. However, as the types and functions of naval vessels evolved, the designations became more varied to meet the changing needs of modern warfare.

For example:

CA (Heavy/Gun): Armored or Gun Battleships CL (Light): Lighter Versions of Battleships CLAA (Light Anti-Aircraft): Ships especially designed for anti-aircraft capabilities CG (Guided Missile): Ships with guided missiles for various combat roles CC (Battle Cruiser): Powerful and fast capital ships CS (Scout): Smaller and more versatile ships for scouting and support roles

While there are no more active battleships in the U.S. Navy, the BB designation holds significant historical and cultural value, representing a bygone era of naval power and technology.

Source(s): Department of the Navy and Bureau of Ships Designation System