SURFACE SHIPS There are many types of surface ships, such as combatants, auxiliary ships that support combatants, and auxiliaries called special-purpose ships (they perform specific functions), and amphibious. For example, replenishment ships and repair ships are auxiliary ships, and icebreakers and intelligence collectors are special-purpose ships. The Glossary of Naval Ship Types is a guide to the classification and typing of non-U.S. Navy ships and craft. Jane's Fighting Ships is also a good reference for the identification of non-U.S. and U.S. Navy ships. COMBATANTS The purpose of combatants is to engage enemy ships in naval warfare. Combatants are assigned various missions, depending primarily on their armament and secondarily on characteristics such as size, speed, and maneuverability. The following ships fall into the combatant category: aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and frigates. Aircraft Carriers Aircraft carriers (CV/CVNs) are generally the largest warships afloat and are the major offensive surface ships of the U.S. fleet. Aircraft are their chief weapons, and missions are determined by the type of aircraft carried. The high freeboard and expansive, uncluttered flight deck give the aircraft carrier a distinctive appearance. On many carriers, the superstructure or island (usually offset to the starboard side of the flight deck) is the only prominent feature of the flight deck. Figure 13-12 shows examples of different classes of aircraft carriers. Cruisers Cruisers are multimission antiair (AAW), antisubmarine (ASW), antisurface (ASUW) surface combatants capable of supporting carriers, battle groups, and amphibious forces or of operating independently. They usually measure about 550 to 700 feet in length and displace from 7,000 to 15,000 tons. The trend in modern cruisers features tall, solid towers amidships instead of separate pole masts and cylindrical stacks. These midships towers often incorporate masts, stacks, and other superstructure elements in various combinations. See figure 13-13 for examples of cruisers. The bow and forward superstructure of the modern helicopter cruiser (fig. 13-14) resemble those found on cruiser warships. The stern section consists of level, uncluttered deck space used for launching and landing operations. The bow section contains weapons and electronics equipment. The primary mission of the helicopter cruiser is ASUW. Destroyers Destroyers (DD/DDGs) are versatile, multipurpose warships of moderate size (3,000 to 8,000 tons and 400 to 600 feet long) and are equipped to perform ASW operations, while guided-missile destroyers are multimission and perform AAW and ASUW operations. Modern U.S. destroyers and guided-missile destroyers are called upon to perform primarily in a battle force combatant role. They operate in support of carrier or battleship battle groups, surface action groups, amphibious groups, and replenishment groups. Destroyers typically have two large stacks with considerable rake, light mast, superimposed gun mounts forward, ASW gear aft, and torpedo tubes topside. Figure 13-15 shows examples of destroyers. Frigates Frigates (FF/FFGs) fall into the general category of smaller major combatants whose offensive weapons and sensors are used for a particular warfare role, such as screening support forces and convoys. Frigates range in length from 300 to 400 feet and displace 1,500 to 4,000 tons. They usually have only one gun mount forward, while the aft armament often consists of ASW and/or AAW weaponry. A helicopter pad frequently is present in the stern area. (See fig. 13-16.) MINOR COMBATANTS There are numerous types of minor combatants, such as minesweepers and patrol boats. Many countries that either do not require or cannot afford larger ships use these smaller combatants for river and coastal defense patrol. Many of the newer patrol boats are armed with missiles, and some are equipped with hydrofoils, or air cushions, which greatly increase their firepower, speed, and maneuverability. Figure 13-17 is an example of a minor combatant. 13-6