Three ships of the United States Navy have borne the name USS Reuben James. Reuben James was a boatswain's mate who distinguished himself fighting the Barbary pirates.

• The first , a four-stack , was the first US Navy ship sunk by hostile action in the European Theatre in World War II.

• The second , a , escorted convoys during World War II.

• The third was an guided missile frigate.