Why do we call them "CV"? Where does the V come from?

Carrier Vessel (Fleet).

>>33179394
Cruiser, aViation. (CA was already taken by Cruiser, Armored)

When the name scheme was drawn up, Carriers were supposed to do scouting things like a cruiser.

>>33179557
>>33179722

So which is the real answer?

>>33179394
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hull_classification_symbol

In us naval aviation v topically means "fixed wing" that's why fixed wing squadrons are named VFA-121, VMA-211, VP-10 and aircraft carriers are CVN CVE CVA etc.

>>33179845

>>33179722

>>33180023
This. V is heavier-than-air aircraft, I can't remember the one for blimps.

>>33179394
CV - Carrier vehicular.

CVN - Carrier vehicular nuclear.

File: uss-macon-akron-vol-01.jpg (51KB, 740x570px) Image search: [Google]

51KB, 740x570px

>>33181579
For the US Navy it was ZRS - Zeppelin Rigid Scout/Scouting

Macon and Akron were pretty cool airships. Only flying aircraft carriers ever built.

Carrier Vattle Group

The 'C' doesn't stand for carrier but for cruiser as carriers were originally conceived as filling a similar air defense and bombardment role in the evolving 20th battlegroup as the cruiser did (recall battleships were being phased out in favor of 'heavy' cruisers).

The 'V' stands for the french verb voler, meaning to fly, indicating the ship carried heavier-than-air aircraft (versus say blimps or balloons).

The 'N' does indeed stand for nuclear.