SSN (hull classification symbol)

USS New Hampshire (SSN-778), a Virginia-class submarine

An SSN is a nuclear-powered general-purpose attack submarine. SSN is the US Navy hull classification symbol for such vessels; the SS (as 'Ship Submersible') denotes a submarine[1] and the N denotes nuclear power. The designation SSN is used for interoperability throughout NATO under STANAG 1166,[2] though navies use other terms.

  1. ^ In the Royal Navy, "SS" is an abbreviation for "Ship Submersible""Fleet Submarines (SSN)". Royal Navy website. Archived from the original on 2008-04-04. Retrieved 2008-04-07.
  2. ^ "NATO glossary of abbreviations used in NATO documents and publications (AAP-11)" (PDF). NATO. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 February 2014. Retrieved 1 February 2014.