Three ships of the United States Navy have been named USS South Dakota in honor of the 40th state.

• The first USS South Dakota (ACR-9), Pennsylvania-class armored cruiser, escorted troops and convoys during World War I.
• The second USS South Dakota (BB-49), was laid down as the lead ship of her class of battleship, but the entire class was cancelled before they were launched.
• The third USS South Dakota (BB-57), the lead ship of her class of battleship, saw action during World War II.