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What do I need to know about ship selection?

In order to ensure equal distribution of Option and Surface Warfare  Officers on operational platforms across the Fleet, Midshipmen and Officer Candidates selecting their first ship will select from the ship lists that match their prospective communities.  IW Option Officers will choose from the IWC Option Ship List. Conventional, Nuke and ED Option SWOs will choose from the main SWO Ship List. 
 
Ship selection is held in January each year for U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen and in February and November for all NROTC midshipmen depending on graduation dates. Officer Candidates at OCS select ships while in the training program.
 
NROTC Ship Selection will use a live video chat option (in addition to the traditional phone call option) where Midshipmen and Officer Candidates will have the option to select their ships via video chat with the Detailers! 

Visit the Naval Vessel Registrar Homepage for a complete listing of all active duty US Navy ships.

When/How do I contact my ship?
All new officers should formally introduce yourself to your new Chain of Command by sending the Commanding Officer (CO) a letter. Your USNA/NROTC instructors are able to provide you a template for what to include in the letter, what the format should be used, and when/how to send your letter to.

In addition, you should contact the Executive Officer (XO) once you receive your orders in order to schedule your report date and receive your ship sponsor's contact information. Your ship sponsor should be able to answer any questions you have prior to your arrival (i.e. where to live, where the ship is, how to get on the base, etc.).

All XO's can be reached via email at xo@{hullnumber}.navy.mil. [For example, XO@ddg60.navy.mil.]

What should I have before checking aboard my ship?
Before walking up the brow, you should have the following documents with you:
-An official copy of your orders
-Medical/Dental records

Keep in mind that you will need to report in Summer Whites/Service Dress Blues. You should also communicate with the XO and your sponsor to report during normal working hours. If you are checking aboard while on deployment, communicate with your sponsor to determine what you should bring in your sea bag.

PROSPECTIVE DIVOS   Visit our DIVO website for more information.
 
** EMAIL YOUR DETAILER ONCE YOU CHECK ABOARD**

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