USS Essex may refer to:
- USS Essex (1799), was a 32-gun sailing frigate launched in 1799, participated in the War of 1812, and captured in 1814
- Essex Junior, was a British whaler captured by Essex and put into service until recaptured in 1814
- USS Essex (1856), was an ironclad steamer during the American Civil War and sold in 1865
- USS Essex (1874), was a wooden screw steamer launched in 1876 and sold in 1930
- USS Essex (CV-9), was an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned in 1942 and served through World War II, the Korean War, and Apollo 7 before being decommissioned in 1969
- USS Essex (LHD-2) is an amphibious assault ship commissioned in 1992 and currently in active service