Who is responsible for naming U.S. Navy ships?

The responsibility for naming U.S. Navy ships lies with the Secretary of the Navy. This authority stems from historical practices and is formalized in various Navy regulations. The Secretary is tasked with overseeing naval operations, including shipbuilding and budgeting, and part of this role includes determining the names of new ships being commissioned.

Naming a ship often considers factors such as heritage, notable individuals (like historical figures, veterans, or influential leaders), and the ship's mission or characteristics. This process reflects the Navy's tradition and respect for the history and contributions of individuals and events important to the nation and its maritime legacy.

While the President of the United States holds significant authority over military affairs, the specific task of naming ships has been delegated to the Secretary of the Navy to ensure that these decisions are made by someone who is closely engaged with naval matters. The roles of the Chief of Naval Operations and the naval shipbuilding authority, while crucial in operational and logistical aspects of naval strategy and ship construction, do not extend to naming vessels.