Pre-Commissioning Unit

A pre-commissioning unit (PRECOMMUNIT) or (PCU) is used by the United States Navy to describe vessels under construction prior to their official commissioning.[1] For example, prior to its commissioning, the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) has been described by the Navy as "pre-commissioning unit (PCU) Gerald R. Ford ."[1] However, "PCU" is only a descriptive term and is not a prefix or a part of the ship's official name. Until they are commissioned, U.S. Navy vessels are officially identified by their given name and hull number only with no prefix, such as Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78).[2]

A "PCU" is also the entity that the ships staff is assigned to for training while the ship is being constructed and fitted-out. Prior to reporting to the ship, sailors will report to a PCU at one of two fleet training centers, located at either Naval Station Norfolk or San Diego Naval Base.[3]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "PCU Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Welcomes 60 New Crew Members" (Press release). Navy News Service. 6 June 2013. NNS130606-12. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
  2. "Ship Naming in the United States Navy". Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved 24 July 2016. The prefix "USS," meaning "United States Ship," is used in official documents to identify a commissioned ship of the Navy. It applies to a ship while she is in commission. Before commissioning, or after decommissioning, she is referred to by name, with no prefix.
  3. "MILPERSMAN 1306-802, SURFACE SHIPS UNDERGOING CONSTRUCTION/CONVERSION" (PDF). United States Navy. 27 April 2007. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
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