Naval Bases Key Terms

Learn the terms you need to understand Naval district bases

By Lesley Graybeal

Naval bases are home to a wide range of personnel and military equipment, and fall into a wide range of station types, such as the Naval Air Station. Naval bases are typically staffed by both military personnel and civilians who provide day-to-day services, as well as contracted expertise. In both operational and retired Naval bases, visitors are often able to see historic and current military ships and aircraft used by the US Navy. Review some key terms for Naval bases and the military vessels they contain to help you better understand bases and their operations.

Aircraft carrier

The aircraft carrier, a large ship with an aircraft landing strip, is a staple of US Naval bases. Aircraft carriers contain specialized components that assist aircraft in landing safely in a constricted amount of space, as well as highly trained personnel.
Try: Read more about the aircraft carrier from the US Navy.

Destroyer

The destroyer is a type of ship used by the US Navy to engage in surface combat at sea. Destroyer ships contain a wide range of weaponry and defensive mechanisms for detecting and engaging with both submarine and surface vessels.
Try: The Federation of American Scientists offers additional definitions and information for the latest models of destroyer ships.

Hellcat

The Hellcat was a type of aircraft used by the US Navy in World War II, designed to be superior to the Japanese Zero. Because of their iconic appearance, Hellcat aircraft often are placed on display at military museums and Naval bases that offer public tours.
Try: Read more about the definition and history of the Hellcat from Ace Pilots.

Higgins boat

The Higgins boat, also known as an LCVP or Landing Craft Vehicles and Personnel, is one of the first amphibious vehicles used by the US Navy. The Higgins boat was designed to land personnel directly on the shoreline. Like the Hellcat, existing Higgins boats today draw many visitors to US Naval bases where they are on display.
Try: For a concise definition and specifications of the Higgins boat, or LCVP, consult the Saving Private Ryan Online Encyclopedia.

Naval Air Station

A Naval Air Station, or NAS, is a land base that serves as a master station for squadrons of Naval aircraft. Naval Air Stations are typically established in tactical air strike or defense locations and work in conjunction with other nearby Naval bases.
Try: Global Security provides further definition and explanation of how a Naval Air Station is used by the US Navy.

Naval district

A Naval district is defined as a given geographical area presided over by the command of a single Naval officer. A Naval district may contain several Naval bases, as well as different types of bases, technical stations or intelligence centers.
Try: Military Schools provides a concise definition of Naval district in its military glossary.