20. USS Zumwalt DDG 1000
Considered to be one of the largest aircraft carriers and destroyers in the world, the USS Zumwalt DDG-1000 is a guided missile destroyer that is sure to impress. Designed to offer naval gunfire support, it cost up to $4.5 billion to build.
While most destroyers are designed to help in deep-water combat missions, the Zumwalt can also assist with forced on land. In fact, it can hit a target as far as 83-miles away.
19. USS Michael Monsoor DDG-1001
Equipped with the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile system, the USS Michael Monsoor is able to launch vertical Tomahawk missiles, something that’s no easy feat.
With the motto of “I Will Defend” this ship is over 600 feet long and displaces 14,564 tons.
18. USS Independence LCS-2
This ship was commissioned in 2008 and launched on January 16, 2010. The Independence operates with a small crew whose main mission is to hunt down submarines and safeguard the littoral zone.
We definitely wouldn’t want to cross paths with this guy, that’s for sure.
17. USS Kidd DDG-100
Named after the Navy officer Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd, this warship was used to search for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 which went missing in 2014.
The ship has also made appearances in multiple films, gaining in popularity for its unique look.
16. USS Freedom LCS-1
The USS Freedom LCS-1 launched in 2006 and is a littoral combat ship that is used in close to shore combat attacks. The Freedom is considered the class leader and works various types of missions.
Besides the close to shore combat attacks, it is also used for humanitarian relief and minesweeping. Sounds like this ship is the top of its class!
15. USS Chief MCM-14
Launched in 1993, the USS Chief MCM-14 makes up part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and conducts minesweeping missions to help clear out strategic waterways.
What’s unique about this warship is its design, which features wood with a layer of plastic that is reinforced with glass. These multiple layers were designed to act as a buffer against mine blasts. Pretty cool, right?
14. USS Nimitz CVN-68
The USS Nimitz CVN-68 is a nuclear-powered supercarrier that was commissioned in 1975. One neat fact about this type of warship is that it only needs to be refueled once during its 50-year service thanks to its nuclear-powered system.
This particular warship carries two anti-aircraft missiles, as well as two Gatling guns.
13. USS Harpers Ferry LSD-49
Named after the town of Harpers Ferry in West Virginia due to its strategic location during the Civil War, the USS Harpers Ferry LSD-49 is known for providing humanitarian relief to Burma in 2008, as well as rescue missions to the Philippines.
It’s also heavily armored with rapid-fire cannons, missile launchers, and six machine guns.
12. USS Arleigh Burke DDG-51
A guided missile destroyer and the first of its class, this warship was commissioned in 1991 and is known for its stealth technology.
With the ability to evade any anti-ship missiles, it’s known for the motto “Fast and Feared.” Utilizing a new version of the Aegis combat system, this warship can trace, evade and launch missiles.
11. USS Turner Joy DD-951
Named after Vice Admiral Charles Turner Joy, this is one of the 18 U.S. Navy Forest Sherman-class destroyers. It was used during World War II and the Korean War before being decommissioned in 1982.
It also spent a large time in the Pacific Ocean, where it played an integral part of the Vietnam War.
10. USS Peleliu LHA-5
Entering into service in 1980, this warship assisted with many evacuation and rescue missions.
Its nickname was “Iron Nickel” and was named after the Battle of Peleliu, which took place during World War I.
9. USS Samuel B. Roberts DE-413
This warship entered into commission on January 20, 1944, and received the Navy Cross for navigating a landing craft towards enemy flotillas during evacuation efforts in 1942.
It unfortunately had a tragic end when it was sunk by Japanese warships during the Battle of Leyte Gulf killing all 90 of its crew.
8. USS Los Angeles SSN-688
The USS Los Angeles can be considered the leader of the pack in terms of its class and was the oldest submarine in service up until 2007.
It was the fourth of its kind launched in the city of Los Angeles in 1974 and even hosted an event for President Jimmy Carter. Unfortunately, it was decommissioned in 2007
7. USS Santa Fe SSN-763
The USS Santa Fe is a submarine that was launched in 1994 with the ability to pack some real heat. It can launch Tomahawk missiles and Harpoon anti-surface ship missiles as well.
The submarine was deployed to the western Pacific ocean and also the Persian Gulf in 1997. It’s also one numerous naval awards.
6. Ohio-Class Ballistic Missile Submarines
The U.S. Navy has commissioned a total of 18 Ohio-class submarines with 14 being ballistic missile submarines. This class of submarine is the largest ever built for the U.S.
Navy and was designed for war-deterrence patrols. One such submarine was depicted in James Cameron’s hit film The Abyss.
5. USS Ohio SSGN-726
The lead boat of her class, the SSGN-726 is a guided missile submarine that was converted from a ballistic missile submarine.
It was launched in April of 1979 and throughout its service was transformed and repurposed for various projects. It was heavily involved in missile testing in the East China Sea.
4. Virginia-Class Attack Submarine SSN-774
A nuclear-powered submarine that was built for quick attacks in coastal and international waters, the SSN-774 is a Virginia-class attack submarine that packs quite a punch.
With plans to keep these types of submarines in service until 2060, these underwater vessels contain technological advances other submarines don’t have. Featuring photonics sensors, modular masts, and a payload module, the SSN-774 also stores torpedoes and missiles.
3. Seawolf-Class Attack Submarine SSN
Another type of fast attack submarine with nuclear power, the Seawolf-Class was commissioned in 1997 and designed to battle ballistic missile submarines.
Large but fast and quite, these submarines carry twice the amount of weapons than the Los Angeles-class subs. It definitely looks sleek, don’t you think?
2. USS Hurricane PC-3
While the USS Hurricane might not have the size and flair of the other warships on this list, it does have the important mission of keeping our nation’s coastlines safe.
Its small size allows for swift and quick response times and it comes equipped with auto grenade launchers and machine guns. We feel safer already.
1. USS Lewis B. Puller ESB-3
The ESB-3’s claim to fame is that it was the first expeditionary mobile base in the U.S. Navy. Its position is in the U.S. Fifth Fleet in the Persian Gulf where it replaced the USS Ponce in 2017.
Its main goal is to be tasked with low-intensity duties with the warships in the area dealing with the higher risk missions.