Key Points and Summary – For more than a century, U.S. Navy destroyers have been the fast, hard-hitting “tin cans” guarding carrier strike groups and projecting American sea power.
-This piece walks through five of the most important destroyer classes in U.S. history, from the mass-produced, battle-tested Fletcher-class of World War II to today’s Arleigh Burke-class multi-mission workhorses and stealthy Zumwalt-class missile ships.
SAN DIEGO (Dec. 8, 2016) The guided-missile destroyer USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) arrives at its new homeport in San Diego. Zumwalt, the Navy’s most technologically advanced surface ship, will now begin installation of combat systems, testing and evaluation and operation integration with the fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Emiline L. M. Senn/Released)
-It also revisits the Cold War–era Spruance-class and the pioneering Bainbridge-class, the Navy’s first true destroyers.
-Together, these ships trace how U.S. destroyers evolved from torpedo-boat killers into some of the most capable surface combatants afloat.
These 5 U.S. Navy Destroyer Classes Changed Naval Warfare Forever
The U.S. Navy has had some incredible warships during its history. Today, we look at five of the service’s best destroyer classes.
Known for their speed, versatility and maneuverability, and affectionately labeled “tin cans,” destroyers typically protect larger vessels—particularly aircraft carriers—as part of the Navy’s carrier strike groups.
The five best U.S. destroyer classes are widely considered to be the Arleigh Burke-class, Fletcher-class, Spruance-class, Zumwalt-class, and Charles F. Adams-class.
The Arleigh Burke-class is praised for its advanced technology and multi-mission capabilities, while the Fletcher-class is renowned for its combat-effectiveness and large production numbers during World War II.
Zumwalt-Class. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
The Zumwalt-class is noted for its stealth and advanced gun systems, the Spruance-class for its versatility and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, and the Charles F. Adams-class for its guided-missile technology.
Arleigh Burke-class Destroyers
The Arleigh Burke-class of guided-missile destroyers (DDGs) is centered around the Aegis Combat System and the SPY-1D multifunction passive electronically scanned array radar. It is considered the backbone of the Navy’s surface fleet.
Key features include the advanced radar and missile defense systems. The large number of these ships in service makes it a cornerstone of the post-Cold War Navy.
Arleigh Burke destroyers provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities. Destroyers can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups, and underway replenishment groups.
PACIFIC OCEAN (May 4, 2015) – The guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) steams toward San Diego Harbor. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nathan Burke/Released)
Armaments include the Standard Missile (SM-2MR); vertical launch anti-submarine missiles; the Tomahawk; Mk 46 torpedoes; its close-in weapon system; the 5-inch Mk 45 gun; and the Evolved Sea Sparrow missile.
Fletcher-class Destroyers
Often cited as one of the most successful destroyer classes of all time, the Fletcher-class was produced in large numbers and performed exceptionally well during World War II.
A total of 175 Fletcher-class destroyers were built during the war. They measured 376 feet and displaced about 2,100 tons. The Fletcher was well equipped with armor and firepower. Fighting on all fronts, 19 Fletcher-class destroyers were lost during World War II, while another six were damaged so severely that they never returned to service.
Key features included a good balance of speed, maneuverability, and firepower, with multiple 5-inch guns, torpedoes, and anti-aircraft guns.
Fletcher-class Destroyers
One outstanding example of the Fletcher-class was the USS Johnston (DD-557). During the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the ship charged into a superior group of Japanese ships. Hopelessly outgunned and outnumbered, the Johnston raked Japanese cruisers and battleships before being sunk. So great was the crew’s courage, a Japanese captain saluted the survivors during the battle.
Spruance-class Destroyers
This highly successful class is remembered for its versatility—especially its effectiveness in anti-submarine warfare—and its ability to be refitted for various roles.
The Spruance-class destroyers were developed to defend carrier task forces against the latest generation of submarines.
Their size reflected a need for the ability to sail and fight in all weather conditions. Spruance-class destroyers were more than twice as large as a World War II destroyer and as large as a World War II cruiser. (The Ticonderoga-class cruisers that followed them adopted the same basic hull design.)
These were huge, gas-turbine-powered destroyers that were adaptable and formed a large part of the fleet for decades before being retired.
Zumwalt-class Destroyers
While the Zumwalt-class destroyer program is widely considered a failure due to its exorbitant costs, canceled weapon systems, and a drastically reduced production run, the Zumwalt is a revolutionary design focused on stealth, firepower, and advanced technology.
The program was cut short after only three ships out of more than 30 planned were built. But its key features include an advanced integrated deckhouse, stealthy design, and a powerful main gun system.
PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 8, 2016) The guided-missile destroyer USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000), left, the Navy’s most technologically advanced surface ship, is underway in formation with the littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) on the final leg of its three-month journey to its new homeport in San Diego. Upon arrival, Zumwalt will begin installation of its combat systems, testing and evaluation, and operation integration with the fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Ace Rheaume/Released)161208-N-SI773-0401
A promising retrofit program is converting these ships into hypersonic-missile platforms under the Conventional Prompt Strike initiative.
Each Zumwalt destroyer will now carry 12 hypersonic missiles, capable of speeds of about Mach 7 to Mach 8, providing critical standoff strike capabilities against adversaries such as China and Russia.
Bainbridge-Class Destroyers
The first destroyer class that the United States ever built was the Bainbridge-class in 1899. Authorized in the wake of the Spanish-American War, 13 Bainbridge-class destroyers were built before 1903. One sunk off Gibraltar during World War I after it collided with a British ship.
The Bainbridge’s coal-fired boilers and triple-expansion engines are ancient technology today, but were highly advanced for 1899. They could steam at 28 knots, which was quite fast during that era.
At 630 tons fully loaded, these “torpedo boat destroyers” were small and light compared to later classes. They were also comparatively lightly armed, with two 3-inch guns, five smaller guns, and two 18-inch torpedo tubes. They required a crew of three officers and 72 enlisted men.
About the Author: Steve Balestrieri
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications
