Naval vessels are ships that are built and operated by a country's navy. They are designed for a variety of roles, including combat, transport and support. Naval vessels can be divided into four main categories: surface combatants, submarines, amphibious warfare ships and aircraft carriers.
Surface combatants are warships that operate on the surface of the sea. They are typically armed with anti-aircraft, anti-ship and anti-submarine weapons. Surface combatants include destroyers, frigates and cruisers.
Submarines are underwater vehicles that are used for a variety of missions, including intelligence gathering, Special Forces operations and combat. Submarines can be either nuclear-powered or diesel-electric powered.
Amphibious warfare ships are used to transport troops and equipment from ship to shore. They typically have a well deck that can be flooded in order to launch landing craft or hovercraft. Amphibious warfare ships include Landing Ship Tanks (LSTs) and Landing Craft Air Cushions (LCACs).
Aircraft carriers are warships that serve as mobile airbases for fighter jets and other aircraft. Aircraft carriers typically have a flight deck where aircraft take off and land, as well as hangar decks where aircraft can be stored and maintained.