Three ships of the United States Navy have been named USS Rhode Island in honor of the 13th state.

• The first USS Rhode Island, was a wooden sidewheel steamer previously named John P. King and Eagle, and later renamed Charleston that saw action in the American Civil War.

• The second USS Rhode Island (BB-17), a Virginia-class battleship, sailed on the first leg of the Great White Fleet's voyage, and provided anti-submarine services during World War I.