home

fighting ships of the world

UNITED STATES NAVY (UNITED STATES OF AMERICA)

TORPEDO SHIPS

FLETCHER destroyers (1942-1945)

La Vallette 1942

La Valette 1942

Pringle 1942

Boyd 1944

Leutze 1944

Twiggs 1944

Black 1945

Kidd 1945

Daly 1963

La Vallette 1963

Waller 1952

Fletcher 1963

Jenkins 1963

Project history: The most known destroyers of US Navy. The history of their creation goes back to October, 1939, when the war, which has begun in Europe, has led to cancelling of any limitations in new ships building, and there was a question before General Board: which destroyers to build further. Originally the judgement was declined in favour of destroyers with the moderate dimensions, cheaper and fast built. According to original requirements (no more than 1600ts displacement, not less than four 127mm guns and 10 TTs, 36kts max speed) it has been 6 variants prepared, few differing from previous Benson and Sims classes. However already in the end of a year 1600t limitation was cancelled, as it became clear, that within this displacement it is impossible to realise additional requirements. So, it was necessary to find a place for 28mm quadruple MG and strengthened anti-submarine armament. Under changed  requirements of Bureau of Construction new design was prepared (displacement has increased to 2100t). The Secretary of the Nvvy has approved it already 27.1.1940. In the design for the first time for 20 years designers returned to flush-deck hull form with appreciable deck sheer. This decision ensured some economy of the weight estimate assigned on the hull, however moderated internal volume, "squeezing out" a part of spaces into superstructures (by the way, the big sizes of fwd superstructure became almost the unique reason for project criticism). Machinery power have raised to 60000hp for achievement of 38kts speed. (At that time there were representation, that speed of destroyer should exceed speed of the ships escorted by her at least on 5kts). Unfortunately, the overload has not allowed to approach to treasured value: at the displacement close to full, seldom it was possible to exceed 34kts. The armament structure in comparison with previous Benson class has changed at first sight slightly: 28mm MGs and 4 DCTs were added, but it is important, that on Fletcher at designing phase reserve of displacement for new weapons systems was included. Splinterproof armouring became another important innovation: sides and a deck over machinery were protected by 13mm armour plates, directors had 19mm protection.

The order for first 24 ships (DD445-451 and 465-481) have given out in June - July, 1940. In September the order for 100 ships (DD498-597) has followed. 16.12.1940 order for seven ships was cancelled (DD523-525, 542, 543, 548 and 549), but 6 new ships of class were ordered (DD629-631 and 642-644). In February, 1941 order for DD503-506 was cancelled instead of which 4 Benson class destroyers would be built (DD645-648). When USA joined the war, 56 additional destroyers were ordered (DD649-691 and 792-804). In 1941, having generalised experience of war in Europe, the conclusion about preference of the open bridge before traditional closed ones from which it is inconvenient to watch for air has been drawn. Open bridges were received by DD518-522, 526-541, 544-547, 554-568, 581-591, 594-597, 629-644, 649-691 and 792-804.

With designed composition of light AA armament (1 quadruple 28mm and 4 single 20mm guns) only the very first ships were commissioned: since September, 1942 all destroyers received twin 40mm Boforses instead of "Chicago pianos". Soon the number of Oerlikons has increased to 6, and many destroyers received second Bofors on a quarter deck (last position has been recognised subsequently by unsuccessful and to the beginning of 1943 that Bofors was been replaced by three Oerlikons). In February, 1943 the new standard of Fletchers AA armament has been established: three twin Boforses (two aside aft funnel and one between No2 and 3 guns) and 10 (on destroyers with the open bridge) or 11 (with closed bridge) Oerlikons. The variant accepted in June, 1943, with five twin Boforses, (the additional pair was installed before fwd superstructure) and 7 Oerlikons  became the ultimate standard for this class. Many destroyers were commissioned with such arrangement of small-calibre guns. Many earlier ships were converted under this standard: by the end of 1944 157 destroyers from 166 operable Fletchers were so armed.

Six ships (DD476-481) were planed to be equipped by catapult for seaplanes. It was mounted on a superstructure behind the second aft funnel on a place of removed TT No2 and 127mm gun No3. Actually three ships were commissioned with catapult. Usage experience has shown, that seaplane onboard of destroyer is not very much necessary, and remained three destroyers were completed in standard variant configuration. To the second half of 1944 former "aircraft-carriers" also have lost catapults and received standard armament.

DD482 Watson and DD452 Persival were built as test ships with experimental machinery: diesel on the former and turbines with high-parameters steam on the latter. In connection with war begun work on them have suspended, and in 1946 their building was ultimately cancelled.

Modernizations: autumn 1942, all completed and survived except Pringle, Stevens, Halford: were armed by 5 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 12, 1 x 2 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 4 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 4, 2 x 5 - 533 TT, 6 DCT, 2 DCR (56)

late 1942, all completed and survived except Pringle, Stevens, Halford: were armed by 5 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 12, 2 x 2 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 6 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 4, 2 x 5 - 533 TT, 6 DCT, 2 DCR (56)

early 1943, all completed and survived except Pringle, Stevens, Halford: were armed by 5 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 12, 1 x 2 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 9 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 4, 2 x 5 - 533 TT, 6 DCT, 2 DCR (56)

1943 - 1944, all completed and survived: were armed by 5 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 12, 3 x 2 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, (10 - 11)  x 1 - 20/70 Mk 4, 2 x 5 - 533 TT, 6 DCT, 2 DCR (56)

1943 - 1944, Fletcher, Radford, Jenkins, La Valette, Nicholas, O`Bannon, Chevalier, Saufley, Waller, Strong, Taylor, Bache, Beale, Guest, Hutchins, Pringle, Stanly, Stevens, Halford, Philip, Renshaw, Ringgold, Scroeder, Sigsbee, Cottway, Cony, Converse, Eaton, Foote, Spence, Terry, Aulick, Charles Ausburne, Claxton, Dyson, Harrison: were armed by 5 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 12, 3 x 2 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 11 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 4, 2 x 5 - 533 TT, 6 DCT, 2 DCR (56)

late 1943, all completed and survived: were armed by 5 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 12, 5 x 2 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 7 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 4, 2 x 5 - 533 TT, 6 DCT, 2 DCR (56)

summer 1945, Fletcher, Radford, Jenkins, La Valette, Bennet, Stanly, Renshaw, Sigsbee, Isherwood, Kimberly, Mullany, Trathen, Hazelwood, McCord, Miller, Owen, The Sullivans, Stephen Potter, Tingey, Twining, Capps, Franks, Hailey, Ross, Sproston, Wickes, Young, Izard, Howorth, Sigourney, Charles J. Badger, Kidd, Bryant, Clarence K. Bronson, Cotten, Gatling, Healy, Hickox, Hunt, Lewis Hancock, Marshall, Hopewell, Porterfield, Picking, Halsey Powell, Porter, Gregory, Rooks: were armed by 5 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 12, 2 x 4 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 3 x 2 - 40/56 Mk 1.2, 4 x 2 - 20/70 Mk 4, 3 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 4, 1 x 5 - 533 TT, 6 DCT, 2 DCR (56)

1.1946, DD445-448, 473, 478, 499, 520, 521, 528, 530, 531, 534-540, 550, 554, 556, 563, 577, 578, 580, 589, 592, 643, 657, 661, 665, 668, 669, 671-676, 681, 682, 685, 686, 800, 802, 804: 5 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 30, 2 x 4 - 40/60 Mk 2, 3 x 2 - 40/60 Mk 1, 4 x 2 - 20/70 Mk 24, 3 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 10, 1 x 5 - 533 TT, 6 DCT, 2 DCR (56), SC or SR, SG, Mk 4 or Mk 12.22 radars, QCJ sonar

1.1946, DD449, 450, 465, 466, 468, 470, 471, 472, 474, 475, 479, 480, 498, 500, 501, 507-511, 513, 515, 516, 517, 519, 527, 532, 541, 544-547, 551, 553, 558, 561, 562, 564-576, 581-583, 585, 587, 588, 590, 593-597, 629-631, 642, 644, 649-656, 658-660, 662-664, 666, 667, 670, 677-680, 683, 684, 687-691, 793-799: 5 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 30, 5 x 2 - 40/60 Mk 1, 7 x 1 - 20/70 Mk 10, 2 x 5 - 533 TT, 6 DCT, 2 DCR (56), SC or SR, SG, Mk 4 or Mk 12.22 radars, QCJ sonar

1950 - 1951, Daly, Isherwood, Ammen, Mullany, Trathen, Heermann, Miller, The Sullivans, Stephen Potter, Boyd, Cowell, Hailey, Prichett, Rowe, Stoddart, Abbot, Braine, Hale, Stembel, Caperton, Cogswell, Ingersoll, John Hood, Dashiell, Black, Coten, Dortch, Hunt, McDermut, McGowan, McNair, Hopewell, Picking, Uhlmann, Wadleigh, Cassin Young, Irwin, Preston, Benham, Jarvis, Rooks: were armed by 4 x 1 - 127/38 Mk 30, 3 x 2 - 76/50 Mk 33, 1 x 5 - 533 TT, 6 DCT, 2 DCR (56), SPS-6, SG, Mk 25, Mk 34 radars, QCJ sonar

1949, Fletcher, Radford, Nicholas, O'Bannon, Saufley, Waller, Philip, Renshaw, Conway, Cony, Sproston; 1950, Walker; 1951, Jenkins, Taylor, Bache, Beale, Eaton, Murray were converted to ASW escorts with data as given in the table

1950s, some DDEs: - 1 x 1 Weapon Alfa Mk 108 ASWRL; + 1 x 24 - 178 Hedgehog Mk 15 ASWRL

1960, Radford, Nicholas; 1961, Jenkins: received FRAM II modernization with data as given in the table

Naval service: De Haven 1.2.1943 was sunk by Japanese D3A bombers (3 bombs) off Cape Esperance. Strong 5.7.1943 in battle off New Georgia Island was sunk by a torpedo from Japanese destroyer Minazuki, Mocjizuki or Kawakaze. Chevalier 6.10.1943 received torpedo hit from Japanese destroyer Yugumo, badly damaged and 7.10.1943 sunk by a torpedo from destroyer La Vallette. Brownson 26.12.1943 was sunk off Cape Gloucester by Japanese D3A bombers. Hoel and Johnston 25.10.1944 were sunk in battle off Samar by gunfire of Japanese battlecruiser Kongo and cruiser Haguro. Abner Read 1.11.1944 was sunk by kamikaze off Samar. Spence 18.12.1944 off Luzon capsized and foundered during a typhoon. Halligan 26.3.1945 was sunk by a mine off Okinawa, her magazines detonated, wreck was cast ashore at Takashiki Island and destroyed by gunfire. Longshaw 18.5.1945 at Okinawa landing ran aground at Ose reef, could not be salvaged, strongly damaged by Japanese coastal guns; ship was abandoned by own crew after detonation of fwd magazines. Twiggs 16.6.1945 was sunk by Japanese air torpedo from G4M bomber off Okinawa.

Following destroyers were sunk off Okinawa as a result of attacks of kamikazes: Bush (6.4.1945), Mullany (6.4.1945), Colhoun (6.4.1945), Pringle (3.5.1945), Little (3.5.1945), Luce (4.5.1945), Morrison (4.5.1945), William D. Porter (10.6.1945) and Callaghan (28.7.1945).

La Vallette 30.1.1943 was damaged by Japanese air torpedo and was under repair till August, 1943. O'Bannon 6.10.1943 was damaged in collision with destroyer Chevalier (fore end was destroyed) and was repaired till December, 1943. Abner Read 18.8.1943 was damaged by Japanese mine (stern was broken off), repair lasted till the beginning of 1944. Cony 27.10.1943 was damaged by Japanese aircraft (2 bombs), later she was repaired. Foote 2.11.1943 was damaged by torpedo from Japanese destroyer, repair lasted about half a year. Wadleigh 16.9.1944 was damaged by Japanese mine and was repaired till the end of a year. Fullam 12.9.1944 was damaged in collision with APD (ex-DD) Noa and was repaired more than two months. Ross 19.10.1944 was damaged by Japanese mine. Morrison 24.10.1944 was damaged as a result of collision with aircraft carrier Princeton during salvage operations (she has lost both funnels and a mast) and was repaired more than month. Albert W. Grant 24.10.1944 during battle in Surigao Strait was erroneously badly damaged by gunfire of USN ships. David W. Taylor 5.1.1945 was damaged by Japanese mine. Philips 10.1.1945 was damaged by Japanese explosive boat. La Vallette and Radford 14.2.1945 were damaged by Japanese mines. Renshaw 21.2.1945 was damaged by a torpedo from Japanese submarine RO43, repaired till October, 1945. Charles J. Badger 8.4.1945 was badly damaged by explosive boat. Jenkins 30.4.1945 was damaged by a mine.

During Philippines landing kamikazes are attacked and caused damages of various severity level to: Claxton (1.11.1944), Ammen (1.11.1944), Newcomb (6.1.1945), Richard P. Leary (6.1.1945), Pringle (29.12.1944), Saufley (29.11.1944), Aulick (29.11.1944), Haraden (13.12.1944), Paul Hamilton (15.12.1944), Howorth (15.12.1944), Foote (21.12.1944) and Bryant (22.12.1944). At Okinawa landing kamikazes attacked and caused damages of various severity level to: Halsey Powell (20.3.1945), Kimberly (25.3.1945 heavy damages), Porterfield (26.3.1945), Pritchett (heavy damages 2.4.1945, another time 28.7.1945), Franks (heavy 2.4.1945), Sproston (3.4.1945), Leutze (6.4.1945, heavy), Harrison (6.4.1945), Howorth (6.4.1945, heavy), Newcomb (6.4.1945, heavy), Bennett (6.4.1945, heavy), Longshaw (7.4.1945), Hutchins (6.4.1945 and heavy damages 26.4.1945), Gregory (heavy 8.4.1945), Bullard (11.4.1945), Kidd (11.4.1945, heavy), Stanly (12.4.1945), Cassin Young (12.4.1945, heavy, and repeatedly 29.7.1945), Sigsbee (14.4.1945, heavy), Hunt (14.4.1945), Dashiell (14.4.1945), Bryant (16.4.1945, heavy), Benham (17.4.1945), Isherwood (22.4.1945, heavy), Hudson (22.4.1945, heavy, repeatedly 4.5.1945), Wadsworth (22.4.1945 and 28.4.1945), Daly (28.4.1945), Twiggs (28.4.1945), Bennion (28.4.1945, heavy, second time 30.4.1945), Hazelwood (29.4.1945), Haggard (29.4.1945, heavy), Bache (3.5.1945 and 13.5.1945), Cowell (4.5.1945 and 25.5.1945), Brown (10.5.1945), Evans (11.5.1945, heavy), Thatcher (20.5.1945, heavy, repeatedly 19.7.1945), Guest (24.5.1945), Anthony (26.5.1945 and 7.6.1945) and Braine (26.5.1945, heavy). Damages of Leutze, Newcomb and Haggard were so serious, that repair has been recognised by inexpedient.

Kidd 1945

Colahan 1948

Jenkins 1950

© Ivan Gogin, 2014-15