This 6,000,000 Pound Navy Warship Can Reach Incredible Speeds

24/7 Wall St. Insights

• We used data from Military Factory, an online database of arms, vehicles, and aircraft.
• One of the fastest warship classes in the employ of the U.S. Navy is the Arleigh Burke class of destroyers.
• Also, Discover “The Next NVIDIA”

The United States military prides itself on its ability to dominate on land, air, and sea. The use of warships and submarines is effective in protecting the US, securing areas around the world, and bringing stability to the international community. In recent months, the US Navy has been embattled with Houthi rebels from Yemen in an effort to keep international waterways clear of hostile forces. Over 50 vessels have been targeted in the Red Sea corridor since November, as the US Navy has tried to secure the region.

24/7 Wall St. is taking a closer look at the fastest warships and submarines in the US Navy’s fleet. To identify the fastest warships and submarines in the US Navy, 24/7 Wall St. referenced a catalog of naval vessels from Military Factory, an online database of arms, vehicles, and aircraft. The warship and submarine classes were ranked in order of their top speed. We included supplemental information regarding the type, crew size, armament, and more.

One of the fastest warship classes in the US Navy’s employ is the Arleigh Burke class of destroyers. These are capable of achieving speeds of roughly 35 mph. They are equipped with some of the most technologically advanced defensive countermeasures in the form of the Aegis Combat System. Overall, their speed allows them to operate alongside aircraft carriers and in other various capacities.

Ultimately, the speed of these warships and submarines is a key factor in their operational capabilities, allowing the US Navy to project power around the world.

Why Are We Covering This?

Understanding the US Navy and its capabilities gives context to larger national defense strategies and geopolitical relations. Its technological innovations have profound impacts not just on the military but also on civilian life.

Here is a look at the fastest warships and submarines in the US Navy.

19. Avenger-class

USS Sentry (MCM-3)_150428-M-YH... (CC BY 2.0) by U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. Fifth Fleet

• Top speed: 16.1 mph
• Type: Mine countermeasures ship
• Year introduced: 1987
• Crew size: 81
• Displacement: 1,367 tons

18. Seawolf-class

USS Seawolf (SSN 21) departs N... (CC BY 2.0) by Official U.S. Navy Page

• Top speed: 20.7 mph
• Type: Attack submarine
• Year introduced: 1997
• Crew size: 116
• Displacement: 9,140 tons

17. Harpers Ferry-class

USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) con... (CC BY 2.0) by Official U.S. Navy Page

• Top speed: 23.0 mph
• Type: Amphibious assault ship
• Year introduced: 1995
• Crew size: 923
• Displacement: 16,601 tons

16. Whidbey Island-class

• Top speed: 23.0 mph
• Type: Amphibious assault ship
• Year introduced: 1985
• Crew size: 927
• Displacement: 16,360 tons

15. America-class

USS America (LHA-6) (CC BY-SA 2.0) by tomasdelcoro

• Top speed: 25.3 mph
• Type: Amphibious assault ship
• Year introduced: 2014
• Crew size: 2,745
• Displacement: 46,000 tons

14. San Antonio-class

• Top speed: 25.3 mph
• Type: Amphibious assault ship
• Year introduced: 2006
• Crew size: 361
• Displacement: 25,000 tons

13. Blue Ridge-class

• Top speed: 26.5 mph
• Type: Command ship
• Year introduced: 1970
• Crew size: 842
• Displacement: 18,875 tons

12. Wasp-class

190709-N-DQ787-1051 (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Naval Surface Warriors

• Top speed: 26.5 mph
• Type: Amphibious assault ship
• Year introduced: 1989
• Crew size: 3,275
• Displacement: 41,182 tons

11. Ohio-class

Marines assemble a combat rubb... (CC BY 2.0) by Official U.S. Navy Page

• Top speed: 28.8 mph
• Type: Nuclear submarine
• Year introduced: 1981
• Crew size: 153
• Displacement: 16,765 tons

10. Ford-class

• Top speed: 34.5 mph
• Type: Aircraft carrier
• Year introduced: 2017
• Crew size: 4,660
• Displacement: 112,000 tons

9. Zumwalt-class

USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) arrives... (CC BY 2.0) by Official U.S. Navy Page

• Top speed: 34.5 mph
• Type: Guided-missile destroyer
• Year introduced: 2016
• Crew size: 140
• Displacement: 14,564 tons

8. Nimitz-class

• Top speed: 34.5 mph
• Type: Aircraft carrier
• Year introduced: 1975
• Crew size: 5,680
• Displacement: 97,000 tons

7. Los Angeles-class

USS Providence (SSN 719) trans... (CC BY 2.0) by Official U.S. Navy Page

• Top speed: 34.5 mph
• Type: Nuclear submarine
• Year introduced: 1976
• Crew size: 134
• Displacement: 6,072 tons

6. Arleigh Burke-class

• Top speed: 34.5 mph
• Type: Guided-missile destroyer
• Year introduced: 1991
• Crew size: 323
• Displacement: 8,885 tons

5. Ticonderoga-class

• Top speed: 37.4 mph
• Type: Cruiser
• Year introduced: 1986
• Crew size: 330
• Displacement: 9,800 tons

4. Cyclone-class

• Top speed: 40.3 mph
• Type: Patrol ship
• Year introduced: 1993
• Crew size: 30
• Displacement: 335 tons

3. Virginia-class

File:US Navy 040730-N-1234E-002 PCU Virginia (SSN 774) returns to the General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard.jpg (Public Domain) by U.S. Navy photo by General Dynamics Electric Boat

• Top speed: 40.3 mph
• Type: Nuclear submarine
• Year introduced: 2004
• Crew size: 134
• Displacement: 7,800 tons

2. Independence-class

• Top speed: 50.6 mph
• Type: Corvette
• Year introduced: 2010
• Crew size: 75
• Displacement: 3,300 tons

1. Freedom-class

Uss Fort Worth Sea Trials (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Naval Surface Warriors

• Top speed: 54.1 mph
• Type: Littoral combat ship
• Year introduced: 2008
• Crew size: 125
• Displacement: 3,000 tons