Thread: USS

**Anav** · 08-21-2013, 17:10

The prefix USS, or United States Ship, is used to identify (along with its name or hull number) a commissioned Navy vessel. It was first implemented on January 8, 1907, by Presidential Executive Order 549, signed by President Theodore Roosevelt.

Prior to this order, there was no standard method of referring to U.S. Navy vessels, hence the reason for the order.

**Naharaht** · 08-21-2013, 23:55

It seems strange that it took so long to decide such an order was necessary.

**Gunner** · 08-22-2013, 03:48

When was the prefix HMS first used?

**Moideeb** · 08-22-2013, 04:33

Originally Posted by Gunner

When was the prefix HMS first used?

It first came into use in 1789, before that it was always HBMS, which was his Britannic majesties ship.

**Gunner** · 08-22-2013, 10:42

Thanks Chris. One never stops learning on this site.

**csadn** · 08-22-2013, 16:40

Originally Posted by Naharaht

It seems strange that it took so long to decide such an order was necessary.

There's a similar story for "The Star-Spangled Banner": It wasn't until 1931 that it *officially* became the National Anthem.

http://www.ripleysnewsroom.com/anthem/