United States Naval Ship

United States Naval Ship (USNS) is the prefix designation given to non-commissioned ships that are property of the United States Navy (USN).

[1] United States Naval Ships are unarmed auxiliary support vessels owned by the U.S. Navy and operated in non-commissioned service by Military Sealift Command with a civilian crew.

Some ships include a small military complement to carry out communication and special mission functions, or for force protection.

Additionally, the United States Naval Ships hull classification symbol begins with "T-" to denote its civilian crew.

The USNS prefix can be assigned only while the ship is owned by the U.S. Navy.

The USNS Comfort (T-AH-20) , pictured here on September 15, 2001, is an example of a United States Naval Ship.