Warship (DDG, FFG, LHA)

Warship designations DDG, FFG, and LHA are US Navy hull classification symbols for three combatant types. DDG is a guided-missile destroyer, the Arleigh Burke class at about 9,000 to 9,700 tons full load, an Aegis air-defense and strike platform with vertical-launch missiles. FFG is a guided-missile frigate, a smaller escort (the Constellation class restores the type), built for anti-submarine and anti-air screening. LHA is a general-purpose amphibious assault ship, the America class near 45,000 tons, a flat-deck ship that lands marines by helicopter and tiltrotor and can operate F-35B jets. The trailing G marks a guided-missile fit; the letters fix a ship’s role and size band at a glance.