US Navy destroyers were called "tin cans" because of their lightly armored and relatively thin hulls, a stark contrast to the heavily armored battleships and cruisers. The nickname highlights their lightweight construction, which made them fast and maneuverable but also more vulnerable to damage. The term is still used today, with sailors on destroyers sometimes called "Tin Can Sailors" and is a badge of honor for those who served on these ships, and the nickname has stuck for decades. #usscheva