USN Ship Classes - WarShips, Destroyers/Frigates


DD -
- Destroyer.
see DDG
DDE -
- Destroyer (ASW).
DDG -
- Destroyer (Guided missle). Modern U.S. Navy destroyers and guided missile destroyers are called upon to perform primarily in a Battle Force Combatant (BFC) role. As such, these ships operate in support of carrier or battleship battle groups, surface action groups, amphibious groups, replenishment groups. Destroyers primarily perform an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) mission while guided missile destroyers are multi-mission (ASW, anti-air and anti-surface warfare) surface combatants.
CHARLES F. ADAMS Class (DDG-2): see note-1
Displacement 4,500 tons (full load)
Dimensions 437 x 47 x ?? feet
Armament Standard Missiles (MR)
Harpoon (Standard launcher)
ASROC (MK 16 launcher)
6 - MK 46 torpedoes (2 triple tube mounts)
2 - 5inch/54-caliber MK 42 gun
Machinery 4 1200 psi boilers; 2 geared turbines; 2 shafts; SHP: 70,000 = 30 kts.
Aircraft None - VERTREP capable only
Complement ship's company: 383 (20 officers, 363 enlisted)
Builder(s) Bath Iron Works; DDGs 2-3, 10-11
New York Shipbuilding; DDGs 4-6, 15-17
Defoe Shipbuilding; DDGs 7-8, 12-13
Todd Shipyards; DDGs 9, 14, 23-24
Avondale Shipyards; DDGs 18-19
Puget Sound Bridge and Drydock; DDGs 20-22
Notes
CHARLES F. ADAMS Class Ships (23?) as of 1994:
USS Charles F. Adams (DDG-2); Mayport, Fla.
USS Towers (DDG-9); Yokosuka, Japan
USS Semmes (DDG-18); Charleston, S.C.
USS Cochrane (DDG-21); Yokosuka, Japan
USS Benjamin Stoddert (DDG-22); Pearl Harbor
USS Waddell (DDG-24); San Diego, Calif.
FARRAGUT CLASS (DDG-37): see note-1
Displacement 5,800 tons (full load)
Dimensions 512 x 52 x?? feet
Armament Standard Missiles (ER)
8 Harpoon (2quad launchers)
ASROC (MK 16 launcher)
6 - MK 46 torpedoes (2 triple tube mounts)
1 - 5inch/54caliber MK 42 gun
Machinery 4 1200 psi boilers; 2 geared turbines; 2 shafts; SHP: 85,000 =33 kts.
Aircraft None - VERTREP capable only
Complement ship's company: 400 (25 officers, 375 enlisted)
Builder(s) Bethlehem Steel; DDGs 37-39
Puget Sound Naval Shipyard; DDGs 40-41
San Francisco Naval Shipyard; DDG-42
Philadelphia Naval Shipyard; DDG 43-44
Bath Iron Works; DDG 45-46
Notes FARRAGUT Class Ships (10?) as of 1994:
USS Farragut (DDG-37); Norfolk, Va.
USS Mahan (DDG-42) (former DLG-11); Charleston, S.C.
USS Preble (DDG-46); Norfolk, Va.
KIDD (DDG-993) and SPRUANCE (DD-963) Classes: see note-2
Displacement Kidd - 8,300 tons (full load)
Spruance - 7,865 tons (full load)
Dimensions 563 x 55 x ?? feet
Armament 8 Harpoon (2 quad launchers)
Tomahawk ASM/LAM (ABL in Kidd, VLS and ABL in Spruance)
ASROC
6 - MK 46 torpedoes (2 triple tube mounts)
2 - 5inch/54-caliber MK 45 (lightweight gun)
2 - 20mm Phalanx CIWS
Kidd only: Standard Missiles
Spruance only: NATO Sea Sparrow point defense AAW missiles
Machinery 4 G.E. LM 2500 gas turbines; 2 shafts; SHP: 80,000 = 33 kts.
Aircraft Kidd - 1 SH-2F (LAMPS)
Spruance - 2 SH-60 (LAMPS III)
Complement ship's company: Kidd 339 (21 officer, 318 enlisted)
ship's company: Spruance 334 (20 officer, 314 enlisted)
Builder(s) Ingalls Shipbuilding
Notes SPRUANCE Class Ships (31?) as of 1994:
USS Spruance (DD-963); Norfolk, Va.
USS Compte De Grasse (DD-974); Norfolk, Va.
USS Leftwich (DD-984); Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
USS Hayler (DD-997); Norfolk, Va.

KIDD Class Ships (4?) as of 1994:
USS Kidd (DDG-993); Philadelphia, Pa.
USS Callaghan (DDG-994); San Diego, Calif.
USS Scott (DDG-995); Norfolk, Va.
USS Chandler (DDG-996); San Diego, Calif.
ARLEIGH BURKE Class (DDG-51): see note-3
Displacement 8,300 tons (full load)
Dimensions 466 x 59 x ?? feet
Armament Standard Missile*
Harpoon*
Tomahawk ASM/LAM*
VLaunch ASROC / SEALANCE*
6 - MK 46 torpedoes (2 triple tube mounts)
1 - 5inch/54-caliber MK-45 (lightweight gun)
2 - 20mm Phalanx CIWS * Missiles launched from MK-41 MOD 2 VLS
Machinery 4 General Electric LM 2500-30 gas turbines; 2 shafts; SHP: 100,000 =31 kts.
Aircraft None - landing deck, LAMPS III electronics installed for coordinated DDG-51/helo ASW ops.
Complement ship's company: 323 (23 officer, 300 enlisted)
Builder(s) Bath Iron Works, Maine
Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula Miss.
Notes Note-1: Charles F. Adams (DDG-2) and Farragut (DDG-37) Classes:
Both the Charles F. Adams and Farragut guided missile destroyer classes were constructed in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Despite periodic modernizations, both classes are nearing the end of their useful service lives and their retirement was planned beginning in the early 1990s. Modernization with the New Threat Upgrade (NTU) package was considered for these ships but has been terminated since modernization would not have been cost effective given the limited service lives remaining. As part of the 1989 Amended budget submission, the decision was made to accelerate the retirement of these ships to achieve complete retirement of both classes (except Mahan (DDG-42) which received NTU modernization in 1982 as a test package) by the end of FY 93. The highly capable, multi-mission, AEGIS equipped, Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) class will eventually replace these ships.

Note-2: Kidd (DDG-993) and Spruance (DD-963) Classes:
The four Kidd class guided missile destroyers are similar to the Spruance class destroyers, but have greater displacement and improved combat systems. These ships were built originally for use by Imperial Government of Iran (when the Shah was in power) and were canceled by the succeeding Iranian government. The U.S. Navy acquired them in 1981 and 1982. Like the older guided missile cruisers, these ships will receive New Threat Upgrade to improve their anti-air warfare performance against the technologically advanced threat expected into the 21st century.
The Spruance class destroyers, the first large U.S. Navy warships to employ gas turbine engines as their main propulsion system, are undergoing extensive modernizations. The upgrade program includes addition of vertical launchers for Tomahawk ASM/LAM and Vertical Launched ASROC (VLA) on 24 ships of this class, in addition to an advanced ASW system and upgrade to LAMPS III helicopter capability. Like the Kidd class, Spruance class destroyers are expected to remain a major part of the Navy's surface combatant force into the 21st century.

Note-3: Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) Class:
Technological advances have made possible great strides in the capability of modern destroyers culminating in the Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) class. When Arleigh Burke is commissioned in early 1991, it will be the most powerful surface combatant ever put to sea. Like the larger Ticonderoga class cruisers, DDG-51's combat systems center around the AEGIS weapon system and the SPY-lD, multi-function phased array radar. Combining AEGIS, Vertical Launching System, an advanced ASW system, advanced AAW missiles and Tomahawk ASM/LAM, DDG-51 continues the revolution at sea. Designed from the keel up for survivability, DDG-51 incorporates all steel construction and many damage control features resulting from lessons learned during the Falkland Islands conflict and from the accidental attack on USS Stark. Like most modern U.S. surface combatants, DDG-51 will utilize gas turbine propulsion. These ships will replace older Charles F. Adams and Farragut class guided missile destroyers. The lead ship, Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) will be launched in September 1989 and is scheduled for commissioning in early 1991.

ARLEIGH BURKE Class Ships (26?) as of 1994:
USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51)
USS Mahan (DDG-72)
USS Higgins (DDG-76)

DDR -
- Destroyer (Radar picket).
DL -
- Destroyer Leader; or Frigate.
DLG -
- Frigate (Guided Missle).
see Farragut Class DDGs
DLGN -
- Frigate (Guided Missle, Nuclear Propulsion).
FF -
- Frigate. Frigates fulfill a Protection of Shipping (POS) mission as Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) combatants for amphibious expeditionary forces, underway replenishment groups and merchant convoys.
There are nearly 100 frigates in commission in the U.S. Navy comprised primarily of the Oliver Hazard Perry (FFG-7) and Knox (FF-1052) classes. While the guided missile frigates (FFG) bring an anti-air warfare (AAW) capability to the frigate mission, they have some limitations. Designed as cost effective surface combatants, they lack the multi-mission capability necessary for modern surface combatants faced with multiple, high technology threats. They also offer limited capacity for growth. Despite this, the FFG-7 class is a robust platform, capable of withstanding considerable damage. This "toughness" was aptly demonstrated when USS Samuel B. Roberts struck a mine and USS Stark was hit by two Exocet cruise missiles. In both cases the ships survived, were repaired and have returned to the fleet.
The Surface Combatant Force Requirement Study does not define any need for a single mission ship such as the frigate and there are currently no frigates planned in the Navy's five-year shipbuilding program. The Navy is an active participant, however, with our NATO allies in a multi-nation NATO frigate program known as NFR-90. The ultimate configuration of NFR-90 and its full capabilities will not be known for some time. No decision regarding eventual procurement of the NFR-90 can be made until the design is finalized.

see also FFG
BRONSTEIN Class (FF-1038)
Displacement 2,650 tons (full load)
Dimensions 371' x 40' x ??'
Armament ASROC (from MK 16 box launcher)
6 - MK 46 torpedoes (from 2 triple tube mounts)
2 - 3-inch / 50 caliber MK 33 ( 1- enclosed twin gun mount)
Machinery 2 - 600 psi boilers; 1 geared turbine; 1 shaft; s,h,p.: 20,000 = 26 kts.
Aircraft none
Complement ship's company: 217 (16 officers, 201 enlisted)
Builder(s) Avondale Shipyards
Notes BRONSTEIN Class Ships (2) in service:
USS Bronstein (FF-1037); San Diego, Calif.
USS McCloy (FF-1038); Norfolk, Va.
GARCIA Class (FF-1040):
Notes retired.
KNOX Class (FF-1052):
Displacement 4,200 tons (full load)
Dimensions 438' x 47' x ??'
Armament ASROC (from MK 16 boxlauncher)
Harpoon (from MK 16 box launcher)
4 - MK 46 torpedos (from single tube launchers)
1 - 5-inch / 54 caliber MK 42 gun
1 - 20mm Phalanx CIWS (Some ships of this class still have the BPDMS)
Machinery 2 - 1200 psi boilers; 1 geared turbine; 1 shaft; s.h.p.: 35,000 = 27 kts.
Aircraft 1 - SH-2F (LAMPS) helicopter
Complement ship's company: 285 (18 officers, 267 enlisted)(active duty ships)
ship's company: 175 USN (10 USN officers, 165 USN enlisted)+ Approx. 150 reserve personnel: (9 officers, 141 enlisted)(NRF ships)
Builder(s) Todd Shipyards, Seattle; FFs 1052-1054, 1062, 1066, 1070-1071
Todd Shipyards, San Pedro; FFs 1055, 1058, 1060, 1067, 1074, 1076
Lockheed Shipbuilding; FFs 1057, 1063, 1065, 1069, 1073
Avondale Shipyards; FFs 1056, 1059, 1061, 1072, 1068, 1075, 1077-1091, 1092-1097
Notes KNOX Class Ships (46) in service:
USS Knox (FF-1052); Long Beach, Calif.
USS Truett (FF-1095); Norfolk, Va.
USS Valdez (FF-1096); Newport, RI *
USS Moinester (FF-1097); Norfolk, Va.
*NRF ships (24 additional FFs to NRF as follows: FY90-4; FY91-6; FY92-7; FY93-7)
GLOVER Class (FF-1098):
Displacement 3,426 tons (full load)
Dimensions 414' x 44' x ??'
Armament ASROC (from MK 16 launcher)
6 - MK 46 torpedoes (from 2 triple tube mounts)
1 - 5-inch/38 caliber MK 30 gun
Machinery 2 - 1200 psi pressure fired boilers; 1 shaft; s.h.p.: 35,000 = 27 kts.
Aircraft none
Complement ship's company: 280 (18 officers, 262 enlisted)
Builder(s) Bath Iron Works
Notes GLOVER was designed as an experimental ship to test various shipboard systems. Glover held several different classifications including: frigate research ship, escort research ship and miscellaneous auxiliary before being designated frigate in 1979. At that time the ship was assigned the hull number of a canceled Knox class frigate. The hull is similar to the retired Garcia (FF-1040) class but carries some modifications including a shrouded "pumpjet" propeller. Glover serves as an operational frigate.

GLOVER Class Ships (1) in service:
USS Glover (FF-1098); Boston, Mass.

FFG -
- Frigate (Guided Missle). see also FF
OLIVER HAZARD PERRY Class (FFG 7):
Displacement 4,100 tons (full load)
Dimensions (445' (453' with LAMPS III modification)) x 45' x ??'
Armament Standard Missile (MR)(singlelauncher forward)
Harpoon (from Standard Missile launcher)
6 - MK 46 torpedoes (from 2 triple tube mounts)
1 - 76mm (3-inch)/62 caliber MK 75 rapid fire gun
1 - 20mm Phalanx CIWS
Machinery 2 - General Electric LM 2500 gas turbines; 1 shaft; s.h.p.: 41,000 = 29 kts.
Aircraft 2 - SH-60B (LAMPS MKIII) in FFGs 8, 36-61
1 - SH-2F (LAMPS) MK I in FFGs 7, 9-35
(Note: FFGs 28-35 will be converted to support LAMPS MKIII
Complement ship's company: 200 (13 officer, 187 enlisted)
Builder(s) Bath Iron Works; FFGs 7-8, 11, 13, 15-16, 21, 24, 26,29, 32, 34, 36, 39, 42, 45, 47, 49, 50, 53, 55-56, 58-59
Todd Shipyards, Seattle; FFGs 10, 20, 22, 28, 31, 37, 40, 48, 52
Todd Shipyards, San Pedro; FFGs 9, 12, 14, 19, 23, 25, 27, 30, 33, 38, 41, 43, 46, 51, 54, 57, 60, 61
Notes OLIVER HAZARD PERRY Class Ships (51) in service:
USS Oliver Hazard Perry (FFG 7); Philadelphia *
USS Reuben James (FFG 57); Long Beach
USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60); Yokosuka, Japan
USS Ingraham (FFG 61)
* Naval Reserve Force (NRF) units

FDL -
- Fast Deployment logistics Ship.