From: Dictionary of American Fighting Ships, Vol. A, 1991, Navy 
Department, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Naval History 
Division, Washington, D.C.

ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS

A-alternating current generator.
a.-armament.
AA-antiaircraft.
AB-crane ship.
ABD-advance base dock.
ABDA-American-British-Dutch-Australian Command.
ABSD-advance base section dock.
A/C-Allis-Chalmers Mfg. Co., Milwaukee, Wis.
AC-collier.
ac.-aircraft.
ACM-auxiliary mine layer.
ACR-armored cruiser.
ACV-auxiliary aircraft carrier; or tender.
Act.-acting.
AD-destroyer tender.
ADG-degaussing ship.
AE-ammunition ship.
A.E.F.-American Expeditionary Force (World War I); or Allied Expeditionary Force (World War II).
AEW-airborne early warning (radar picket system).
AF-store ship.
AFD-auxiliary floating dock
AFDB-large auxiliary floating dry dock (nsp.)
AFDL-small auxiliary floating dry dock (nsp.)
AFDM-medium auxiliary floating dry dock (nsp.)
AFS-combat store ship.
AG-miscellaneous auxiliary.
AGB-icebreaker.
AGC-general communications vessel; or amphibious
force flagship (now LCC).
AGD-seagoing dredge.
AGDE-escort research ship.
AGDS-deep submergence support ship.
AGEH-hydrofoil research ship.
AGER-environmental research ship.
AGF-miscellaneous command ship.
AGL-lighthouse tender.
AGM-missile range instrumentation ship.
AGMR-major communications relay ship.
AGOR-oceanographic research ship.
AGP-motor tornedo boat tender.
AGR-radar picket ship.
AGS-surveying ship.
AGSC-coastal survey ship.
AGSL-satellite launching ship.
AGSS-auxiliary submarine.
AGTR-technical research ship.
AH-hospital ship.
AHP-evacuation hospital ship.
AK-cargo ship.
AKA-attack cargo ship (now LKA).
AKD-cargo ship, dock; or deep-hold cargo ship.
AKI-general stores issue ship.
AKL-light cargo ship.
AKN-net cargo shim
AKS-stores issue ship.
AK(SS)-cargo submarine.
AKV-cargo ship and aircraft ferry.
AKR-vehicle cargo ship.
AL-lightship.
ALCo-American Locomotive Co., Auburn, N.Y.
AM-minesweeper.
AMh-minesweeper, harbor.
AMc-coastal minesweeper
Am-Int-American International Shipbuilding Corp., Hog Island, Pa.
AMS-motor minesweeper.
AMCU-coastal minesweeper (underwater locator); or mine hunter.
AN-net laying ship (now ANL).
ANL-net laying ship (formerly AN).
ANZAC-Australian-New Zealand Force.
AO-oiler; or fuel oil tanker.
AOG-gasoline tanker.
AOE-fast combat support ship.
AOR-replenishment oiler.
AOSS-submarine oiler.
AP-transport.
APA-attack transport (now LPA); or animal transport.
APB-self-propelled barracks ship; or artillery barge.
APb-base repair ship.
APC-cavalry transport; or small coastal transport (formerly APc)
APD-high-speed transport.
APF-administrative flagship.
APG-supporting gunnery ship.
APH-transport fitted for evacuation of wounded
APL-barracks craft (nsp.).
APM-mechanized artillery transport.
APN-nonmechanized artillery transport.
APP-troop barge, class A.
APR-rescue transport.
APS-mine laying submarine; or transport, submarine.
APSS-transport, submarine.
APT-troop barge, class B.
APV-transport and aircraft ferry.
APY-giant "Y" boat.
AR-repair ship
ARB-battle damage repair ship.
ARC-cable repairing ship.
ARD-auxiliary repair dock (nsp.).
ARDC-auxiliary repair dock, concrete.
ARDM-medium auxiliary repair dry dock (nsp.).
ARG-internal combustion engine repair ship.
ARH-heavy-hull repair ship.
ARL-landing craft repair ship.
ARM-heavy machinery repair ship
ARS-salvage ship.
ARSD-salvage lifting ship.
ARST-salvage craft tender.
ARV-aircraft repair ship.
ARVA-aircraft repair ship (aircraft).
ARVE-aircraft repair ship (engine).
ARVH-aircraft repair ship (helicopter).
AS-submarine tender.
ASPB-assault support patrol boat.
ASR-submarine rescue ship.
ASROC-antisubmarine rocket.
ASSA-cargo submarine.
ASSP-transport submarine.
ASW-antisubmarine warfare.
AT-ocean tug.
ATA-auxiliary ocean tug.
ATC-armored troop carrier.
ATF-fleet ocean tug.
ATL-tank landing craft.
Atlas-Atlas Imperial Diesel Engine Co., Mattoon, Ill.
ATO-ocean tug, old.
ATR-rescue tug.
ATS-salvage tug.
aux.-auxiliary.
AV-seaplane tender.
AVB-advance aviation base ship.
AVC-large catapult lighter.
AVD-seaplane tender (destroyer).
AVG-aircraft escort vessel.
avgas-aviation gasoline.
AVM-guided missile ship.
AVP-small seaplane tender.
AVR-aircraft rescue vessel.
AVS-aviation supply ship.
AVT-auxiliary aircraft transport.
AW-distilling ship.
AWK-water tanker.
AZ-airship tender (lighter than air).
B-The letter "B" used as a prefix to a hull number indicates that the ship was built by the United States for a British Comonwealth Navy.
b.-beam.
BAK-British cargo ship.
BB-battleship.
BBG-guided missile capital ship.
bbls.-barrels.
B.C.-British Columbia.
BLM-ballistic intercontinental missile.
BDE-British escort ship.
Beth-Alam-Bethlehem-Alameda Shipyard, Inc., Alameda, Calif.
Beth-Fair-Bethlehem-Fairfield Shipyard, Inc., Baltimore, Md.
Beth-Hing-Bethlehem-Hingham Shipyard, Inc., Hingham, Mass.
BethPac-SanP-Bethlehem Pacific Coast Steel Corp., San Pedro, Calif.
BethPac-SanF-Bethlehem Pacific Coast Steel Corp., San Francisco, Calif.
BethSb-Wilm-Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corp., Wilmington, Del.
Beth-Spar-Bethelem-Sparrows Point Shipyard, Inc., Sparrows Point, Md.
BethSt-Balt-Bethlehem Steel Co., Shipbuilding Div., Baltimore, Md.
Beth-Bklyn-Bethlehem Steel Co., Shipbuilding Div., Brooklyn, N.Y.
BethSt-Quin-Bethlehem Steel Co., Shipbuilding Div., Quincy, Mass.
BethSt Stat-Bethlehem Steel Co., Shipbuilding Div., Staten Island, N.Y.
Bg-barge.
bhp.-brake horsepower.
blr.-breach-loading rifle.
BM-monitor.
bom-"builders old measurement."
bp.-between perpendiculars (length).
BPDSMS-Basic point defense surface missile system.
Bt.-boat.
btry-battery.
Buda-Buda Diesel Engine Co.
BUEXP-Bureau Express Boiler.
Buff-B-Buffalo Shipbuilding Co., Buffalo, N.Y.
Buff-E-Buffalo Shipbuilding Co., Erie, Pa.
BUMODT-Bureau-modified Thorneycroft boiler.
BUR4DR-Bureau-4-Drum Boiler.
Busch-Busch Sulzer Brothers Diesel Engine Co., St. Louis, Mo.
BUSHIPS-Bureau of Ships (now NSSC).
BW-Babcock & Wilcox Co., Boiler Div., Barberton, Ohio.
BWA-Babcock & Wilcox Co., header-type boiler.
BWA3DR-Babcock & Wilcox 3-drum express-type boiler.
BWHDR-Babcock & Wilcox header-type boiler.
B.W.I.-British West Indies.
BWSHC-Babcock & Wilcox superheat control boiler.
BWSX-Babcock & Wilcox sectional exress boiler.
BW2DR-Babcock & Wilcox 2-drum boiler.
BW2DRD-Babcock & Wilcox 2-drum D-type boiler.
BW2DSU-Babcock & Wilcox 2-drum single-uptake boiler.
C-protected cruiser; commanding offlcer.
CA-heavy cruiser.
CAG-guided missile heavy cruiser.
cal.-caliber.
CAP-combat air patrol.
car.-carronade.
CB-large cruiser.
C/B-Cooper Bessemer
CBC-large tactical command ship.
CC-battle cruiser; or command ship.
C/C-controlled-circulation boiler.
CCB-command and control boat.
CCS-Combined Chiefs of Staff.
C/E-Combustion Engineering Co., Chattanooga, Tenn.
CED-Combustion Engineering D-type boiler.
CEH-Cummins Engine Co., Inc.
CEHDR-Combusion Engineering header-type boiler.
CENTO-Central Treaty Organization.
CE2DR-Combustion Engineering 2-drum boiler.
CE2DRD-Combustion Engineering 2-drum D-type boiler
CF-flying-deck cruiser.
CFC-controlled forced circulation.
CG-guided missile cruiser.
CGC-Coast Guard cutter.
CGN-guided missile cruiser (nuclear propulsion).
CH-Cutler-Hammer.
Char-Naval Shipyard, Charleston, S.C. (formerly Navy Yard, Charleston).
Chry-Chrysler Corp.
CIC-Command Information Center.
CinCLant-Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
CinCPac-Commander in Chief U.S. Pacific Fleet.
CIW-Columbian Iron Works, Baitimore, Md.
CL-light cruiser.
cl.-class.
CLAA-Antiaircraft light cruiser.
ClBt-canal boat.
CLC-tactical command ship.
CLG-guided missile light cruiser.
CLK-cruiser hunter-killer ship.
CM-minelayer.
CMc-coastal minelayer.
CMC-Continental Motors Corp.
CNO-Chief of Naval Operations.
C.O.-commanding officer.
compos.-composite drive (2 diesel engines, electric drive; 2 diesel engines, geared drive; hydraulic couple).
const.-construction.
cont.-continued.
Cor.-corvette.
CortRon-escort squadron.
cpl.-complement.
Craig-Craig Shipbuilding Co., Long Beach, Calif.
Cramp-Wm. Cramp & Sons Ship & Engine Building Co., Philadelphia, Pa.
Cres-Crescent Shipyard, Elizabethport, N.J.
CS-scout cruiser.
CSA-Confederate States Army.
CSN-Confederate States Navy.
CSS-Confederate States Ship.
CTB-coastal torpedo boat.
CTF-Commander Task Force.
CTG-Commander Task Group.
Ctr.-cutter.
CTU-Commander Task Unit.
Cur.-Curtis-type turbine.
CV-aircraft carrier.
CVA-attack aircraft carrier.
CVAN-attack aircraft carrier (nuclear propulsion).
CVB-large aircraft carrier.
CVE-escort aircraft carrier.
CVHA-assault helicopter aircraft carrier.
CVL-small aircraft carrier.
CVS-antisubmarine warfare support aircraft carrier; or seaplane carrier.
CVT-training aircraft carrier.
CVU-utility aircraft carrier.
Cwt.-hundred weight.
C.Z.-Canal Zone.
DANFS-Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
DASH-drone antisubmarine helicopter.
dc.-depth charge.
dcp.-depth charge projector.
dcp. (hh.)-depth charge projector (hedgehog-type).
dct.-depth charge track.
DD-destroyer.
dd.-dry dock.
d/d-diesel direct.
DDC-corvette.
ddd.-diesel direct drive.
DDE-antisubmarine destroyer.
DDG-guided missile destroyer.
DDR-radar picket destroyer.
DE-escort ship.
d/e-diesel electric.
DEC-control escort vessel.
ded.-diesel electric drive.
DEG-guided missile escort ship.
DeL-De Laval Steam Turbine Co., Trenton, N.J.
DeL-FB-De Laval & Farrel-Birmingham.
DeL-Falk-De Laval & Falk.
DeL-GE-De Laval & General Electric.
DeL-Wes-De Laval & Westinghouse.
DER-radar picket escort ship.
de/r-diesel-electric reduction.
derd.-diesel electric reduction drive.
des.-design.
Des-destroyer.
DesDiv-Destroyer Division.
DesRon-Destroyer Squadron.
det.-diesel electric tandem motor drive.
DEW-Distant Early Warning System (a radar network across upper North America).
dgd.-diesel geared drive.
Diehl-Diehl Manufacturing Co., Bridgeport, N.Y.
div.-division.
DL-frigate.
DLG-guided missile frigate.
DLGN-uided missile frigate (nuclear propulsion).
dlt.-double reduction-locked train.
DM-destroyer minelayer; or light minelayer (now MMD).
DMS-high-speed minesweeper; or destroyer minesweeper.
DMZ-Demiltarized Zone.
dp.-displacement; or dual purpose (guns).
dph.-depth of hold.
dr.-draft.
D.r.-Dahlgren rifle.
drd.-diesel reduction drive.
D.sb.-Dahlgren smoothbore.
EAG-experimental miscellaneous auxiliary.
EBCo-Electric Boat Co., Groton, Conn.
ED-Electric Dynamic Co., Bayonne, N.J.
ehp.-estimated horsepower.
EIWHDR-Edgemoor Iron Works header-type boiler.
Ell-Elliot Motor Co., Jeannette, Pa.
EllMach-Ellicott Machine Corp., Baltimore Md.
ElSpecCo-Electric Specialty Co., Stamford Conn.
eng.-engine.
enl.-enlisted.
Enter-Enterprise Engine and Foundry Co., San Francisco, Calif.
ew.-extreme width of flight deck.
ex-former.
Exide-Exide Electric Storage Battery Corp., Philadelphia, Pa.
exp.-expansion.
f-full load (displacement).
Falk-DeL-Falk & De Laval.
Falk-FB-Falk & Farrel-Birmingham.
Falk-GE-Falk & General Electric.
Falk-Wes-Falk & Westinghouse.
FAST-Fast At Sea Transfer equipment.
FB-Farrel-Birmingham Co., N.Y.
FB-Falk-Farrel-Birmingham & Falk.
FB-Wes-Farrel-Birmingham & Westinghouse.
FBM-fleet ballistic missile.
FDL-fast deployment logistics ship.
Fed-Federal Shipbuilding & Drydock Co., Kearny, N.J.
Fiat-Fiat-San Giorgio, Ltd., Turin, Italy.
Flot-flotilla.
FltBtry-floating battery.
FM-Fairbanks Morse diesel, reverse gear drive (manufactured by Fairbanks Morse & Co., Beloit, Wis.).
Fore-Fore River Ship and Engine Co., Quincy, Mass.
Fr.-Frigate.
FRAM-Fleet Rehabilitation And Modernization
FSch.-F. Schichau Gmbh., Elbing, Germany.
f.t.-fire-tube (Scotch-type boiler).
FW-Foster Wheeler Corp., Mountaintop, Pa.
FWA3DR-Foster Wheeler 3-Drum Express-Type Boiler.
FWH-Foster Wheeler Header-Type Boiler.
FWPFS-Foster Wheeler Pressure-Fixed Supercharged Boiler.
FWSFD-Foster Wheeler Single-Furnace D-Type Boiler.
FWSHC-Foster Wheeler Superheat Control Boiler.
FW2DR-Foster Wheeler 2-Drum Boiler.
FW2DRS-Foster Wheeler 2-Drum Superheat Control Boiler.
gal.-gallon.
Gbt.-gunboat.
gd.-gundeck.
GDEB-Grot-General Dynamics Corp., Electric Boat Div., Groton, Conn.
GDEB-Quin-General Dynamics Corp., Electric Boat Div., Quincy, Mass.
GE-General Electric Co., Schenectady, N.Y.
gen.-generator.
G.g.-Gatling gun.
GM-General Motors Corp., Cleveland Diesel Division, Cleveland, Ohio.
Gond-gondola.
Gould-Gould Storage Battery Co., Trenton, N.J.
gr.-gross (tonnage).
Gulf-Gulf Shipbuilding Corp., Chickasaw, Ala.
Gy-galley.
Hall-S-Hall-Scott.
HBM-His (Her) Britannic Majesty's.
helo.-helicopter.
Herc-Hercules Motor Co., Canton, Ohio.
HH-Harlan and Hollingsworth Corp., Wilmington, Del.
HIJMS-His Imperial Japanese Majesty's Ship.
HL-R. L. Hawthorne, Leslie and Co., Ltd., Newcastle-on-Tyne, England.
HMAS-His (Her) Majesty's Australian Ship.
HMCS-His (Her) Majesty's Canadian Ship.
HMNZS-His (Her) Majesty's New Zealand Ship.
HNMS-Her Netherlands Majesty's Ship.
HORC-Hooven, Owens, Renschler Co., Hamilton, Ohio.
hor3-horizontal triple-expansion.
how.-howitzer.
hp.-horsepower.
HT-Humphreys and Tenant, Ltd., London, England.
HUK-Hunter/Killer; offensive ASW.
Hw-Hunter-wheel.
HwGbt-Hunter-wheel gunboat.
HwStr-Hunter-wheel steamer.
IFS-inshore fire support ship (now LFR).
ihp.-indicated horsepower.
ip.-intermediate pressure.
int.-international.
Irc-ironclad.
IrcFltBtry-ironclad floating battery.
IrcGbt-ironclad gunboat.
IrcRam-ironclad ram.
IrcSlp-ironclad sloop.
IrcStr-ironclad steamer.
IrcStFltBtry-ironclad steam floating battery.
IX-unclassified miscellaneous auxiliary ship.
JCS-Joint Chiefs of Staff.
JHendy-Joshua Hendy.
JTFoint Task Force.
k.-knots.
KA-contraction of AKA (attack cargo ship).
Kopp-Koppers Manufacturing Co.
kw.-kilowatts.
l.-length.
LBP-personnel landing boat.
lbp.-length between perpendiculars.
LBS-support landing boat.
LBV-vehicle landing boat.
LCA-assault landing craft.
LCAP-local combat air patrol.
LCB-landing craft vehicle.
LCC-amphibious comand ship (formerly AGC).
LCC(1)-landing craft, control Mk I.
LCC(2)-landing craft, control Mk II.
LC(FF)-landing craft, infantry (gunboat).
LCI(L)-landing craft, infantry (large).
LCI(M)-landing craft, infantry (mortar).
LCI(R)-landing craft, infantry (rocket).
LCM-landing craft, mechanized.
LCM(2)-landing craft, mechanized, Mk II.
LCM(3)-landing craft, mechanized, Mk III.
LCM(6)-landing craft, mechanized, Mk VI.
LCM(8)-landing craft, mechanized, Mk VIII.
LCPL-landing craft, personnel (large).
LCP(N)-landing craft, personnel (nested).
LCPR-landing craft, personnel, ramped.
LCR(L)-landing craft, inflatable boat (large).
LCR(S)-landing craft, inflatable boat (small).
LCSL-landing craft, infantry (support).
LCSR-landing craft, swimmer reconnaissance.
LCS(S)(1)-landing craft, support (small) Mk I.
LCS(S)(2)-landing craft, support (small) Mk II.
LCT-landing craft, tank.
LCU-landing craft, utility.
LCV-landing craft, vehicle.
LCVP-landing craft, vehicle, personnel.
LFR-inshore fire support ship (formerly IFS, LSMR).
Lht.-lighthouse tender.
LFS-amphibious fire support ship.
LHA-amphibious assault ship (general purpose).
lim.-limiting.
LKA-amphibious cargo ship (formerly AKA).
Loran-long range navigation [system].
lp.-low pressure.
LPA-amphibious transport (formerly APA).
LPD-amphibious transport dock.
LPH-amphibious assault ship.
LPR-amphibious transport, small (formerly APD).
LSD-dock landing ship.
LSFF-flotilla flagship (amphibious).
LSI-landing ship, infantry (giant "Y" boat).
LSI(G)-landing ship, infantry (gunboat).
LSI(L)-landing ship, infantry (large).
LSI(M)-landing ship, infantry (mortar).
LSI(R)-landing ship, infantry (rocket).
LSM-medium landing ship.
LSM(R)-medium landing ship (rocket), (now LFR).
LSS(L)-support landing ship (large) Mk III.
LST-tank landing ship.
LSTH-landing ship, tank (casualty evacuation).
LSTS-landing ship (utility).
LSU-landing ship (utility).
LSV-landing ship, vehicle.
LT-large tug (Army).
lt-light (displacement).
Lufkin-Lufkin Foundry & Machine Co.
LVA-assault landing vehicle.
LVT-landing vehicle, tracked.
LWT-amphibious warping tug.
M-Marine
M.-mortar.
MAC-Military Airlift Command.
MarAd-Maritime Administration.
MAP-Military Assistance Program.
MB-motor boat
M.C.-Maritime Commission.
M.C.E.-Maritime Commission Emergency Ship Program ("Liberty" ships).
MSC-mine countermeasures ship
M.C.V.-Maritime Commission Victory Ship Program ("Victory" ships).
M.D.A.P.-Mutual Defense Assistance Program.
Mfr.-manufacturer.
mg.-machine gun.
MHA-minehunter, auxiliary.
MHC-minehunter, coastal.
MinDiv-mine division.
MinFlot-mine flotilla.
MinLant-Mine Force Atlantic.
MinPac-Mine Force Pacific.
MinRon-mine squadron.
mis.-missile.
mis. ln.-missile launcher.
mk.-mark.
mlr.-muzzle-loading rifle.
MM-minelayer, fleet.
mm.-millimeter.
MMA-minelayer, auxiliary.
MMC-minelayer, coastal.
MMD-minelayer, fast (formerly DM).
MMF-minelayer, fleet.
Mon-monitor.
MON-monitor (new riverine warfare type).
Moran-Moran Brothers Co., Seattle, Wash.
Mssh.-Mosher-type boiler.
mot-motor generator.
mph-miles per hour.
MS-motor ship.
MSA-minesweeper, auxiliary.
MSB-minesweeping boat.
M.S.C.-Military Sealift Command (formerly MSTS).
MSC-minesweeper, coastal (nonmagnetic).
MSCO-minesweeper, coastal (old).
MSD-minesweeper, drone.
MSF-minesweeper, fleet (steel hull).
MSI-minesweeper, inshore.
MSL-minesweeping launch.
MSM-minesweeper, river.
MSO-minesweeper, ocean (nonmagnetic).
MSR-minesweeper, patrol.
MSS-minesweeper, special (device).
MSTS-Military Sea Transportation Service (now Military Sealift Command).
n.-normal (displacement).
NAR-Naval Auxiliary Reserve.
NASA-National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NaSuCo-National Supply Co.
NATO-North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
NaTran-National Transit Pump & Machine Co., Oil City, Pa.
NATS-Naval Air Transport Service.
NavSea-Naval Sea Systems Command (formerly NSSC and Naval Ordnance Systems Command).
NavSyd-naval shipyard.
NavSyd-Bos-Boston Naval Shipyard, Boston, Mass. (formerly Boston Navy Yard).
NavSyd-Bklyn-New York Naval Shipyard, Brooklyn, N.Y. (formerly New York Navy Yard).
NavSyd-Charl-Charleston Naval Shipyard, Charleston, S.C. (formerly Charleston Navy Yard).
NavSyd-Hunt-Hunters Point Div., San Francisco Bay Naval Shipyard, San Francisco Calif.
NavSyd-LBeach-Long Beach Naval Shipyard, Long Beach, Calif.
NavSyd-MI-Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, Calif .
NavSyd-Norfolk-Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Norfolk, Va. (formerly Norfolk Navy Yard).
NavSyd-Pearl-Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (formerly Pearl Harbor Navy Yard) .
NavSyd-Phil-Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Philadelphia, Pa. (formerly Philadelphia Navy Yard).
NavSyd-Ports-Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, N.H. (formerly Portsmouth Navy Yard).
NavSyd-Puget-Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton; Wash. (formerly Puget Sound Navy
Neafie-Neafie and Levy Ship and Engine Building Co., Philadelphia, Pa.
N.E.I.-Netherlands East Indies.
Nfld.-Newfoundland.
N.G.-New Guinea.
N.I.-Northern Ireland.
NICB-Niclausse-type boiler (built by the Stirling Co.,
Barberton Ohio).
Niles-Niles Tooi Works Div., General Machinery Corp.
NLSE-New London Ship and Engine Co., Groton, Conn.
NN-Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Newport News, Va.
NNV-National Naval Volunteers.
NOB-Naval Operating Base.
NOR-Normand-type boiler.
Nordb-Nordberg Manufacturing Co., Milwaukee, Wis.
NOTS-Naval Overseas Transportation Service.
NR-submersible research vehicle (nuclear propulsion).
NROTC-Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps.
N.S.-Nova Scotia.
nsp.-non-self-propelled.
NSSC-Naval Ship Systems Command (formerly BUSHIPS, now part of NavSea).
N.W.I.-Netherlands West Indies.
NYd-Navy yard.
NYd-Pensa-Pensacola Navy Yard, Pensacola, Fla.
NYd-Wash-Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C.
NYSb-New York Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, N.J.
off.-officer(s).
OIC-Officer in Charge.
OTC-Officer in Tactical Command.
PA-contraction of APA (attack transport).
PACV-patrol air cushion vehicle.
Palm-N. F. Palmer, Jr., and Co., New York, N.Y.
PARPRO-Peacetime Aerial Reconnaissance Program.
PBM-twin-engine patrol bomber seaplane, known as "Mariner," manufactured by Glenn L. Martin Co.
PBR-river patrol boat.
PBY-twin-engine patrol bomber seaplane, known as "Catalina," manufactured by Consolidated-Vultee Aircraft Corp.
PC-submarine chaser (173').
PCC-control submarine chaser (173').
PCE-patrol escort
PCEC-control escort (180').
PCER-patrol rescue escort.
PCF-patrol craft, inshore.
PCH-patrol craft (hydrofoil).
PCS-patrol craft, submarine.
PCSC-control submarine chaser (136').
pdr.-pounder.
PE-eagle boat.
PF-patrol escort; or frigate.
PG-patrol gunboat.
PGH-patrol gunboat (hydrofoil).
PGM-motor gunboat.
Phib-amphibious.
PhibRon-amphibious squadron.
P.I.-Philippine Islands.
PIRAZ-positive identification and radar advisory zone.
Pnl-Pnlri misile system.
P.Q.-Province of Quebec.
PR-river gunboat.
P.R.-Puerto Rico.
P.r.-Parrott rifle.
PT-motor torpedo boat.
PTC-motor boat subchaser.
PTF-fast patrol craft
Pusey-Pusey & Jones, Wilmington, Del.
PY-patrol vessel converted yacht.
PYc.-patrol vessel converted yacht (coastal).
QIW-Quintard Iron Works, New York, N.Y.
quad.-quadruple.
quint.-quintuple.
R and R-rest and rehabilitation.
r.-rifle.
r. pivt.-rifled pivot gun
RAF-Royal Air Force.
RAAF-Royal Australian Air Force.
RAN-Royal Australian Navy.
RC-revenue cutter.
RCAF-Royal Canadian Air Force.
RCN-Royal Canadian Navy.
RCS-Revenue Cutter Service.
recip3-reciprocating, triple expansion.
Reg.-Regulus missile system.
rf.-rapid fire.
Rich-Richmond Locomotive Works, Richmond, Va.
Ridg-Ridgeway Dynamo and Electric Co., Ridgeway, Pa.
rkt.-rocket launcher.
RN-Royal Navy.
RNN-Royal Netherlands Navy.
RNZN-Royal New Zealand Navy.
Roach-John Roach and Sons, Chester, Pa.
ROK-Republic of Korea.
RON-squadron.
RU-Reciprocating (Skinner Unaflow).
s.-speed.
sa.-semiautomatic.
SACEUR-Supreme Allied Commander, Europe.
SACLANT-Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic.
SACMED-Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranea
SAR-Search and Rescue, sea air rescue.
sat.-saturated.
sb.-smooth bore.
SC-submarine chaser (110'); or cruiser submarine.
Sc-screw.
SCAJAP-Shipping Control Administrator, Japan.
SCC-control submarine chaser (110').
ScFr-screw frigate.
ScGbt-screw gunboat.
Sch-schooner.
SchBg-schooner barge.
SCOTCH-Scotch fire tube boiler. (All others are water tube.)
ScSlp-screw sloop-of-war.
ScStr-screw steamer.
ScTug-screw tug.
SEAL-Sea Air and Land (Naval Special Forces).
SEATO-Southeast Asia Treaty Organization.
seabee-construction battalion.
SF-fleet submarine.
Sg.-shell gun.
s-g-single & double reduction gears.
sgl.-single.
SHAEF-Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Forces.
SHAPE-Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers, Europe.
shp.-shaft horsepower.
SINS-Ships Inertial Navigational System.
SL-ship-of-the-line.
Slp-sloop
SlpW-sloop-of-war.
SlvBg-salvage barge.
SM-mine laying submarine.
SNAP-anti-snooper air patrol.
SP-motor patrol boat.
sp-self-propelled.
sr-single reduction gears.
S.r.-Sawyer rifle.
SS-submarine; or merchant steamship.
SSA-cargo submarine.
SSB-fleet ballistic missile submarine.
SSBN-fleet ballistic missile submarine (nuclear powered).
SSC-cruiser submarine.
SSG-guided missile submarine.
SSGN-guided missile submarine (nuclear powered).
SSK-antisubmarine submarine.
SSN-submarine (nuclear powered).
SSO-submarine oiler.
SSP-submarine transport.
SSR-radar picket submarine.
SSRN-radar picket submarine (nuclear powered).
SSS-strike support ship.
SST-target and training submarine (sp.).
St-steam.
StBrig-steam brig.
StBt-steamboat.
stbd.-starboard.
StFr.-steam frigate.
Str-steamer.
StRam-steam ram.
StTBt-steam torpedo boat.
StTug-steam tug.
Stw-stern wheel.
StwGbt-stern wheel gunboat.
StwRam-stern wheel ram.
StwStr-stern wheel steamer.
SubDiv-submarine division.
SubFlot-submarine flotilla.
subm.-submerged.
SUBROC-submarine rocket.
SubRon-submarine squadron.
Sun-Sun Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Chester, Pa.
Sup-Superior Marine Manufacturing Co., Milwaukee, Wis.
surf.-surface.
Sw-side wheel.
SwGbt-side wheel gunboat.
SwStr-side wheel steamer.
SwRam-side wheel ram.
SwTug-side wheel tug.
Syd-shipyard.
t.-tonnage.
T.-Maritime Commission standard type.
T-prefix indicating M.S.C. (MSTS) ship.
Tal.-Talos missile system.
Tar.-Tartar missile system.
TB-torpedo boat.
TBS-talk between ships.
td.-turbine direct drive.
ted.-turbine electric drive.
Ter.-Terrier missile system.
terd.-turbine electric reduction drive.
TF-Task Force.
TG-Task Group.
THORN-Thornycroft-type boiler.
Tk-tanker.
tl.-trial (speed).
TLL-tank lighter.
TLLW-tank lighter (medium tank-well type).
torp.-torpedo(es).
TR-geared turbine drive.
Tr-trawler.
Trans-transport.
TransRon-transport squadron.
Trigg.-Wm. R. Trigg Co., Richmond, Va.
Troy-Troy Engine & Machine Co.
trp.-troop capacity.
tt.-torpedo tubes.
TU-Task Unit.
tur.-turbine.
UDT-underwater demolition team.
UIW-Union Iron Works, San Francisco, Calif.
UIWHDR-Union Iron Works header-type boiler.
U.K.-United Kingdom.
UN-United Nations.
UN-CR-Universal Cruiser.
unrep.-underway replenishment.
USA-United States Army.
USAAC-United States Army Air Corps.
USAAF-United States Army Air Forces.
USAF-United States Air Force.
USAMC-United States Army Medical Corps.
USANF-United States Auxiliary Naval Force.
USAT-United States Army Transport
USCG-United States Coast Guard.
USCGR-United States Coast Guard Reserve.
USCGS-United States Coast and Geodetic Survey.
USCS-United States Coast Survey.
USMC-United States Marine Corps
USMCR-United States Marine Corps Reserve.
USMCWR-United States Marine Corps Women's Reserve.
USN-United States Navy
USNA-United States Naval Academy.
USNR-United States Naval Reserve.
USNRF-United States Naval Reserve Forces.
USNS-United States Naval Ship.
USRCS-United States Revenue Cutter Service.
USRM-United States Revenue Marine.
USS-United States Ship.
USSB-United States Shipping Board.
VB-Navy bombing plane; Navy dive bombing squadron.
VBF-Navy bombing-fighting aircraft, Navy bomber-fighter squadron.
VBT-bombing, torpedo plane.
VC-composite aircraft squadron.
VD-photographic squadron (aircraft).
vert.-vertical.
VF-Navy fighter plane, Navy fighter squadron.
VFB-fighter bombing plane
VF(M)-fighter plane (two engine).
VF(N)-Navy night fighter squadron.
VG-light transport plane (single engine).
VGF-escort-fighting squadron.
VGS-escort-scouting squadron.
VH-ambulance plane, Navy rescue squadron.
V.I.-Virgin Islands.
VJ-utility plane, Navy utility squadron.
VMB-Marine medium and heavy patrol bomber squadron (land based and seaplane).
VMBF-Marine fighter bomber squadron.
VMD-Marine photographic squadron.
VMF-Marine fighter squadron.
VMF(N)-Marine fighter squadron (night).
VMJ-Marine utility squadron.
VMO-Marine observation squadron.
VMO(AS)-Marine observation squadron (artillery spotting).
VN-training squadron.
VO-observation plane; Navy battleship observation squadron.
VOG-Navy observation plane squadron.
Vog-Henry Vogt Machine Co., Louisville, Ky.
VOGHDR-Vogt header-type boiler.
VP-patrol plane; Navy patrol squadron.
VPB-patrol-bombing plane, Navy medium and heavy patrol bomber squadron (land based and sea based).
VPT-patrol-torpedo plane.
VR-transport plane; Navy transport squadron.
VS-scouting plane; Navy shore based scouting squadron.
VSB-scout-bombing plane.
VSO-scout observation plane.
VT-torpedo plane, Navy torpedo bomber squadron.
VTB-torpedo bombing plane.
VT(N)-Navy night torpedo bomber squadron.
vt2-vertical double-expansion.
vt3-vertical triple-expansion.
vt4-vertical quadruple-expansion.
WAVES-Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service,
Wes-Westinghouse.
Wes-Del-Westinghouse & De Laval.
Wes-Falk-Westinghouse & Falk.
Wes-FB-Westinghouse & Farrel-Birmingham.
WestPac-Western Pacific.
WFB-White-Forster-type, boiler (manufactured by Babcock and Wilcox Co.).
Wint-Winton Engine Corp., Cleveland, Ohio.
WIW-Washington Iron Works, Seattle, Wash.
WL-water line.
WM-White and Middleton Co., Springfield, Ohio.
WSA-War Shipping Administration.
wt.-water-tube boiler.
WTDF-water-tube single-furnace boiler.
WWI-World War I.
WWII-World War II.
X-submersible craft (sp.).
XMAP-sweeper device.
YA-ash lighter.
YAG-miscellaneous auxiliary (service craft).
YAGR-ocean radar station ship.
YAR-Yarrow-type boiler.
YC-open lighter (nsp,).
YCD-fueling barge.
YCF-car float (nsp.).
YCK-open cargo lighter.
YCV-aircraft transportation lighter (nsp.).
YD-floating crane (nsp.).
Yd-Yard (Navy).
YDG-district degaussing vessel.
YDT-diving tender (nsp.).
YE-amunition lighter.
YF-covered lighter (sp.), or freight lighter.
YFB-ferryboat or launch (sp.).
YFD-yard floating dry dock (nsp.).
YFN-covered lighter (nsp.).
YFNB-large covered lighter (nsp.).
YFND-dry dock companion craft (nsp.).
YFNG-covered lighter (special purpose) (later YFNX).
YFNX-lighter (special purpose (nsp.) (formerly YFNG).
YFP-floating power barge (nsp.).
YFR-refrigerated covered lighter (sp.).
YFRN-refrigerated covered lighter (nsp.).
YFRT-covered lighter (range tender).
YFT-torpedo transportation lighter.
YFU-harbor utility craft (sp.).
YG-garbage lighter (sp.).
YGN-garbage lighter (nsp.).
Y-gun-Y-type depth charge projector.
YH-ambulance boat.
YHB-house boat.
YHLC-salvage lift craft, heavy (nsp.).
YHT-scow, heating.
YLA-open landing lighter.
YLLC-salvage lift craft, light (sp.).
YM-dredge (sp.).
YMLC-salvage lift craft, medium (nsp.).
YMP-motor mineplanter.
YMS-auxiliary motor minesweeper.
YMT-motor tug.
YN-net tender (boom).
YNG-gate craft (nsp.).
YNT-district net tender.
YO-fuel oil barge (sp.).
YOG-gasoline barge (sp.).
YOGN-gasoline barge (nsp.).
YON-fuel oil barge (nsp.).
YOS-oil storage barge (nsp.).
YP-patrol craft (sp.).
YPD-floating pile driver (nsp.).
YPK-pontoon stowage barge.
YR-floating workshop (nsp.).
YRB-repair and berthing barge (nsp.).
YRBM-repair, berthing, and messing barge (nsp.).
YRBM (L)-submarine repair, berthing, and messing barge (large).
YRC-submarine rescue chamber.
YRDH-floating dry dock workshop (hull) (nsp.).
YRDM-floating dry dock workshop (machine) (nsp.).
YRL-covered lighter (repair).
YRR-radiological repair barge (nsp.).
YRST-salvage craft tender (nsp.).
YS-stevedoring barge.
YSD-seaplane wrecking derrick (sp.).
YSR-sludge removal barge (nsp,).
YSP-stowage pontoon.
YT-harbor tug.
YTB-large harbor tug.
YTL-small harbor tug.
YTM-medium harbor tug.
YTT-torpedo testing barge.
YV-drone aircraft catapult control craft (sp.); or seaplane barge.
YVC-catapult lighter.
YW-water barge (sp.).
YWN-water barge (nsp.).
ZR-rigid airship.
ZRS-rigid airship (scouting).