CA stands for heavy cruiser in the US Navy hull classification system. These warships were historically designed for long-range operations and armed with 8-inch main guns. The designation separates them from light cruisers (CL) which carried 6-inch guns, though the heavy cruiser classification is largely historic and no longer in active naval service.
Heard on the job
The museum ship is a World War II era CA, so she still has her original 8-inch batteries intact.
Insider tip
The 'A' originally stood for 'armored' in early naval classifications, but later came to denote the heavy 8-inch gun armament.
Also heard as
- CH