The aircraft carrier emerged as a new type of naval ship following World War I. In selecting an abbreviation to represent this new ship, the US Navy chose the letters "CV" as an abbreviation for "carrier aviation.", Aircraft carriers support and operate aircraft that engage in attacks on airborne, afloat and ashore targets that threaten free use of the sea and engage in sustained power projection, Over the decades, as naval technology evolved, new classification codes emerged to accommodate the newer ship classes. Examples of Hull Classification Codes 1. Aircraft Carriers: CV – Aircraft Carrier, e.g., USS Enterprise (CV-6). CVN – Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier, e.g., USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78). 2. Surface Combatants:, CVN in Ship typically refers to Carrier Vessel, Nuclear, which designates a type of aircraft carrier powered by nuclear reactors, allowing for extended operational capabilities without the need for refueling. These vessels play a crucial role in naval operations, providing a mobile airbase for various military missions., What Does CVN Stand For? In the United States Navy, these consist of ships commissioned with hull classification symbols CV (aircraft carrier), CVA (attack aircraft carrier), CVB (large aircraft carrier), CVL (light aircraft carrier), CVN (aircraft carrier (nuclear propulsion))., However, the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) is named after Carl Vinson, a prominent Georgia congressman who advocated for a strong national defense, including support for scientific research and.