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

The Secretary of the Navy holds the responsibility for naming U.S. Navy ships. This authority is established to ensure a consistent and organized approach to ship naming, reflecting the traditions and history of the Navy. The Secretary of the Navy considers various factors, such as significant individuals, events, and themes, ensuring that the names assigned honor the service and heritage of the Navy.

This process is part of a broader set of duties that the Secretary of the Navy oversees, including naval operations and administrative responsibilities. Although the President may offer input or make announcements regarding naval decisions and significant ship commissioning, the formal responsibility for naming ships resides with the Secretary of the Navy. The Chief of Naval Operations and the Secretary of Defense have distinct roles that do not include directly naming ships, focusing instead on operational command and overall defense strategy, respectively.