The postwar threat faced by the American destroyer force was the brand-new Russian Whiskey, Zulu, and Quebec submarine classes. Although these subs now belong in a museum, 40 years ago, they were a nightmare. Based on German Type XXI
technology, they were fast and armed with homing torpedoes. Built in large (some reports at the time said astronomical) numbers, the US needed a large, modern destroyer force to counter this threat. Imagine facing an entire fleet of Type XXI boats with WW II-era destroyers.
This Russian improvement was matched by a dramatic decrease in numbers that makes our present defense "downsizing" seem trivial. Funds, personnel, and ships were all cut back radically. Add to this block obsolescence. Hundreds of ships had been built in a very short period, just a few years. The survivors of these massive wartime programs would all reach retirement age almost simultaneously.
The first class of destroyer built for the Navy after WW II was the Mitscher. Laid down in 1949, they commissioned in 1953 to 1954. They were fitted with 2 5"/54, 2 twin 3"/50, 2 Mk108 Weapon Alfa, and 4 ASW TT. This was a capable design, but four ships does not replace three entire classes of ships. There was also the one-of-a-kind DL-1 Norfolk.
Next were the Forrest Shermans. Fitted with 3 5"/54, 2 twin 3"/50, 2 Hedgehog, and to begin with 4 Mk25 TT, this was a dream destroyer for WW II but badly outclassed by the 1950s sub threat. Laid down between 1953 and 1957 and completed between 1955 and 1959, these 18 ships at least had numbers on their side. Four were also converted to carry Tartar, a surface-to-air missile system. Next came the Farraguts/Coontz, laid down 1957 to 1958, completed 1959 to 1961, and the Charles F. Adams, laid down 1958 - 62, completed 1960 - 64. Both came out around the same time with the Tartar system and ASROC.
In this same time period you have the DE classes of Dealey, Claud Jones, and the FF/FFG classes of Bronstein, and Garcia/Brooke, the last with a SAM. There was still a need for platforms even though the Navy was putting newer ships into the water.
By 1960, newer Russian subs had also appeared. The Foxtrot was a well-designed and successful class, built in large numbers and still considered capable twenty years after they were built. Even more worrisome, the first Russian nuclear sub, K-3 of what was designated the November class, sailed in 1959.
This continuing threat led to the FRAM (Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization) program. Between 1960 and 1965 many late-war destroy-ers were heavily modified. This included lengthening the ships for increased range, removing many of the light AA weapons, and dramatically improving the ASW weapons and sensors.
The Fletchers
The Fletcher DDEs were all converted from 1949 to 1950 and not decommissioned until the 1970s. Still retaining two 5"/38, they had an improved ASW suite with the Mk23 TT, Hedgehog or Weapon Alfa and DC rails. Only three were FRAMed. Hazelwood was converted in a separate program as a DASH test ship.
They were all still basic late-war ships.
The Sumners
Thirty-three out of 53 surviving Sumners were modernized under the FRAM II program, retaining a hefty (if somewhat out of date) AAW gun capability. The inclusion of the Mk25 TT between the stacks, angled to PB/ SB and able to fire an ASuW or ASW torpedo is questionable in the ASuW role. Only the Soviet Navy kept the ASuW torpedo alive after the 1960s.
The Gearings
The Gearings took on more different conversions than the other two classes combined. The Carpenters, with two Mk108 Weapon Alfas were smaller versions of the Norfolk DL. Both had 3-inch guns. The DDRs with the SPS-8 on the aft structure are easily distinguished. Twenty-four were converted in 1945 with another twelve in 1952. Sixty-nine became FRAM I Group B, while eight became Group A, while some DDR and DDE became FRAM II ex-DDR or ex-DDE.
The DASH, or Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter
Talk about a waste of money!! The major antisubmarine weapon planned for the FRAM destroyers was to be the DASH. In theory, an unmanned ASW drone sounds like a good weapon for a ship too small for a full-size helicopter. It was not a success and anyone I have talked about it with any operational experience says it was a failure. Whether that was on the manufacturer's part or on the operator is up to speculation. It seems it was 100% effective with the Japanese Navy at the time.
Weapons Notes
The Mk9 DC rail could drop either the Mk6, Mk7, Mk9, or Mk14 Depth Charge.
The Mk6 "K-gun" could launch either the Mk6, Mk9, or Mk14 Depth Charge.
40mm mounts are controlled by Mk51 optical directors.
Mk23 TT tubes can fire Mk35 or Mk37 torpedoes
Mk25 TT tubes can fire Mk16, Mk35, or Mk37 torpedoes. These were removed by the late 1960s.
For a brief time in the 1950s, DD-727 De Haven, 837 Sarsfield had A(2)2 Mk110 w/2 RAT mounted on top of the aft 5 in/38.
Between 1972 to 1973, 10 (DD-788 Hollister) Gearing FRAM I were equipped with P/S(4)1 Aero-5B w/4 Shrike A as an ARM system off Vietnam. They were mounted on top of the Mk112 ASROC launcher.
Between 1972 to 1973, 9 (DD-884 Floyd B. Parks) Gearing FRAM I were equipped with A(4)1 RIM-72 w/4 Sea Chaparral as an antiship missile defense.
Some DDs and DDEs mounted PQ/SQ(1)2 Mk2 w/2 Mk32 and 4 reloads. I cannot find ship's names, only two pictures.
Any Gearing deploying off of Vietnam was fitted with a Mk28 POD or Zuni 5" Chaff Rockets (1st Gen D).
The SPS-6 came into fleet service starting in 1949, SPS-10 1953, SPS-8 and SPS-29 1959, SPS-37 1960, SPS-40 1961, Mk35 1945. The Mk25 began to replace the Mk12/22 combo in 1948 and refits were completed by 1954.
The SQS-29/33 series was standard on FRAM II.
SQS-23 was standard on FRAM I, and the six Gearing DDR FRAM II.
FLETCHER DDs
Fletcher DD
Displacement: 2406 std
In Class: [42]
Acoustic Counterm: 1st Gen Twd
In Service: 1942 - 70
Electronic Counterm: None
ESM: 1st Gen
Propulsion: Steam
Crew: 345
Size Class: Small
Signature: Smll/Noisy
Weapons: ROF
F/A(1)4 Mk30 5 in/38//1 Mk25 C
P/S/A(2)3 Mk33 3 in/50//1 Mk35 C
P/S(5)1 Mk14 TT w/5 Mk15 torp F
F(24)2 Mk10/11 Hedgehog w/5 salvoes D
Sensors:
SPS-6, SPS-10 J
QC M
Damage and Speed Breakdown:
Damage Points: 0 22 44 67 81 89
Surface Speed: 35 26 17 9 0 sinks
Fletcher DDE Conversion DDE
Displacement: 2406 std
In Class: [18]
Acoustic Counterm: 1st Gen Twd
In Service: 1942 - 70
Electronic Counterm: None
ESM: 1st Gen
Propulsion: Steam
Crew: 345
Size Class: Small
Signature: Smll/Noisy
Weapons: ROF
F/A(1)2 Mk30 5 in/38//1 Mk25 C
A(2)2 Mk33 3 in/50//1 Mk35 C
P/S(2)2 Mk23 TT w/4 see remarks E
2 Mk9 DC rail w/9 DC D
F(24)2 Mk10/11 Hedgehog w/5 salvoes
Sensors:
SPS-6, SPS-10 J
QHB M
Remarks:
May have 1 or 2 Mk9 DC rails. All decommissioned by 1970.
Damage and Speed Breakdown:
Damage Points: 0 22 44 67 81 89
Surface Speed: 35 26 17 9 0 sinks
Fletcher FRAM II DD
Displacement: 2406 std
In Class: [4]
Acoustic Counterm: 1st Gen Twd
In Service: 1942 - 70
Electronic Counterm: None
ESM: 1st Gen
Propulsion: Steam
Crew: 345
Size Class: Small
Signature: Smll/Noisy
Weapons: ROF
F/A(1)2 Mk30 5 in/38//1 Mk25 C
PB/SB(2)3 Mk32 TT w/3 Mk44 torp F
F(24)2 Mk10/11 Hedgehog w/5 salvoes D
F(1)1 Mk108 weapon Alpha E
Aft Pad (1)2 DASH B
Sensors:
SPS-6, SPS-10 J
SQS-29/33 series, SQS-40/43 series VDS M
Remarks:
Converted 1960 to 1961. DD 531 Hazelwood was converted along similar lines as a DASH test ship. She has 2F/ A(1)3 Mk30, and SPS-29/37 instead of SPS-6, no SQA-10, or Mk108 weapon Alpha. All decommissioned by 1970.
Damage and Speed Breakdown:
Damage Points: 0 22 44 67 81 89
Surface Speed: 35 26 17 9 0 sinks
ALLEN M. SUMNER DDs
Allen M Sumner DD
Displacement: 2535 std
In Class: [53]
Acoustic Counterm: 1st Gen Twd
In Service: 1943 - 75
Electronic Counterm: None
ESM: 1st Gen
Propulsion: Steam
Crew: 345
Size Class: Small
Signature: Smll/Noisy
Weapons: ROF
2F/A(2)3 Mk38 5 in/38//1 Mk25 C
P/S(5)1 Mk14 TT w/5 Mk15 torp F
2 Mk9 DC rail w/9 DC E
P/S(1)6 Mk6 DC proj w/4 DC E
Sensors:
SG, SR, SC J
QGA M
Remarks:
Stats for Sumners before conversion to FRAM II and the 20 non-FRAMed units.
Damage and Speed Breakdown:
Damage Points: 0 23 46 70 84 93
Surface Speed: 36 27 18 9 0 sinks
Allen M. Sumner FRAM II DD
Displacement: 2746 std
In Class: [33]
Acoustic Counterm: 1st Gen Twd
In Service: 1943 - 75
Electronic Counterm: None
ESM: 1st Gen
Propulsion: Steam
Crew: 345
Size Class: Small
Signature: Smll/Noisy
Weapons: ROF
2F/A(2)3 Mk38 5 in/38//1 Mk25 C
PB/SB(3)2 Mk32 TT w/3 Mk44 torp F
PB/SB(1)2 Mk25 TT w/2 see remarks F
F(24)2 Mk10/11 Hedgehog w/5 salvoes E
Aft Pad (1)2 DASH B
Sensors:
SPS-10, SPS-29/37 or SPS-40 J
SOS-29/32 series, SQS-40/43 series VDS M
Remarks:
Aluminum superstructure. Special damage modifier of 0.85.
Damage and Speed Breakdown:
Damage Points: 0 21 42 64 77 85
Surface Speed: 36 27 18 9 0 sinks
GEARING DDs
Gearing DD
Displacement: 2637 std
In Class: [77]
Acoustic Counterm: 1st Gen Twd
In Service: 1944 - 83
Electronic Counterm: None
ESM: 1st Gen
Propulsion: Steam
Crew: 345
Size Class: Small
Signature: Smll/Noisy
Weapons: ROF
2F/A(2)3 Mk38 5 in/38//1 Mk12/22 C
P/S(5)1 Mk14 TT w/5 Mk15 torp F
2 Mk9 DC rail w/9 DC E
P/S(1)6 Mk6 DC proj w/4 DC E
Sensors:
SPS-6, SPS-10 J
QHB M
Remarks:
Stats for pre-FRAM configuration. FRAM took place between 1960 to 1965.
Damage and Speed Breakdown:
Damage Points: 0 24 48 73 88 97
Surface Speed: 34 25 16 8 0 sinks
Epperson DDE
Displacement: 2637 std
In Class: [2]
Acoustic Counterm: 1st Gen Twd
In Service: 1949 - 77
Electronic Counterm: None
ESM: 1st Gen
Propulsion: Steam
Crew: 345
Size Class: Small
Signature: Smll/Noisy
Weapons: ROF
F/A(2)2 Mk38 5 in/38//1 Mk25 C
A(2)2 Mk33 3 in/50//1 Mk35 C
P/S(2)2 Mk23 TT w/4 see remarks F
1 Mk9 DC rail w/9 DC E
P/S(1)6 Mk6 DC proj w/4 DC E
Sensors:
SPS-10, SPS-6 J
QHB M
Remarks:
Gearing class DDE conversions. Mk23 TT have six reloads. Stats became as Gearing FRAM I (Group B) DD in 1964.
Damage and Speed Breakdown:
Damage Points: 0 24 48 73 88 97
Surface Speed: 34 25 16 8 0 sinks
Carpenter DDK
Displacement: 2637 std
In Class: [2]
Acoustic Counterm: 1st Gen Twd
In Service: 1949 - 82
Electronic Counterm: None
ESM: 1st Gen
Propulsion: Steam
Crew: 345
Size Class: Small
Signature: Smll/Noisy
Weapons: ROF
F/A(2)2 Mk37 3 in/70//1 Mk35 C
F/A(1)2 Mk108 Weapon Alpha E
P/S(1)4 Mk23 TT w/5 see remarks F
1 Mk9 DC rail w/9 DC E
Sensors:
SPS-6, SPS-10 J
QHB M
Remarks:
Gearing class DDK conversion, before FRAM. Mk23 TT have twenty reloads.
Damage and Speed Breakdown:
Damage Points: 0 24 48 73 88 97
Surface Speed: 34 25 16 8 0 sinks
Gearing FRAM I Group C DD
Displacement: 2637 std
In Class: [2]
Acoustic Counterm: 1st Gen Twd
In Service: 1949 - 82
Electronic Counterm: None
ESM: 1st Gen
Propulsion: Steam
Crew: 345
Size Class: Small
Signature: Smll/Noisy
Weapons: ROF
F(2)1 Mk37 3 in/70//1 Mk35 C
P&S(8)1 Mk112 w/8 ASROC E
PB/SB(3)2 Mk32 TT w/3 Mk44 torp F
P/S(1)4 Mk23 TT w/5 see remarks F
Aft Pad (1)2 DASH B
Sensors:
SG, SR, SC J
QHB M
Remarks:
FRAMed 1964 to 1965. Mk23 TT have twenty reloads. ASROC has 9 reloads.
Damage and Speed Breakdown:
Damage Points: 0 24 48 73 88 97
Surface Speed: 34 25 16 8 0 sinks
Frank Knox DDR
Displacement: 2637 std
In Class: [36]
Acoustic Counterm: 1st Gen Twd
In Service: 1945 - 82
Electronic Counterm: None
ESM: 1st Gen
Propulsion: Steam
Crew: 345
Size Class: Small
Signature: Smll/Noisy
Weapons: ROF
2F/A(2)3 Mk38 5 in/38//1 Mk25 C
P/S/A(2)3 Mk33 3 in/50//1 Mk35 C
PB/SB(3)2 Mk32 TT w/3 Mk44 torp F
F(24)2 Mk10/11 Hedgehog w/5 salvoes E
1 Mk9 DC rail w/9 DC F
Sensors:
SPS-6, SPS-8, SPS-10 J
QHB M
Remarks:
Gearing class DDR conversion. All units FRAMed between 1960 to 1965.
Damage and Speed Breakdown:
Damage Points: 0 24 48 73 88 97
Surface Speed: 34 25 16 8 0 sinks
Gearing FRAM I Group A DD
Displacement: 2699 std
In Class: [8]
Acoustic Counterm: 1st Gen Twd
In Service: 1944 - 83
Electronic Counterm: None
ESM: 1st Gen
Propulsion: Steam
Crew: 345
Size Class: Small
Signature: Smll/Noisy
Weapons: ROF
F(2)2 Mk38 5 in/38//1 Mk25 C
P&S(8)1 Mk112 w/8 ASROC E
PB/SB(3)2 Mk32 TT w/3 Mk44 torp F
F(24)2 Mk10/11 Hedgehog w/6 salvoes E
Aft Pad (1)2 DASH B
Sensors:
SPS-10, SPS-29/37 J
SQS-23 M
Remarks:
FRAMed 1960 to 1961. Special damage Modifier of .85 for aluminum superstructure.
Damage and Speed Breakdown:
Damage Points: 0 21 42 63 76 84
Surface Speed: 34 25 16 8 0 sinks
Gearing FRAM I Group B DD
Displacement: 2699 std
In Class: [69]
Acoustic Counterm: 1st Gen Twd
In Service: 1944 - 83
Electronic Counterm: None
ESM: 1st Gen
Propulsion: Steam
Crew: 345
Size Class: Small
Signature: Smll/Noisy
Weapons: ROF
F/A(2)2 Mk38 5 in/38//1 Mk25 C
P&S(8)1 Mk112 w/8 ASROC E
PB/SB(3)2 Mk32 TT w/3 Mk44 torp F
Aft Pad (1)2 DASH B
Sensors:
SPS-10, SPS-29/37 or SPS-40 J
SQS-23 M
Remarks:
Special damage Modifier of .85 for aluminum superstructure.
Damage and Speed Breakdown:
Damage Points: 0 21 42 63 76 84
Surface Speed: 34 25 16 8 0 sinks
Gearing FRAM II DDR
Displacement: 2699 std
In Class: [6]
Acoustic Counterm: 1st Gen Twd
In Service: 1960 - 74
Electronic Counterm: None
ESM: 1st Gen
Propulsion: Steam
Crew: 345
Size Class: Small
Signature: Smll/Noisy
Weapons: ROF
2F/A(2)3 Mk38 5 in/38//1 Mk25 C
PB/SB(3)2 Mk32 TT w/3 Mk44 torp F
F(24)2 Mk10/11 Hedgehog w/6 salvoes E
Sensors:
SPS-10, SPS-29/37, SPS-8A or SPS-30 J
SQS-23, SQA-10 VDS M
Remarks:
FRAMed 1960 to 1961. DD-742 and DD-874 have SPS-8, all others have SPS-30. Special damage modifier of 0.85 for aluminum superstructure.
Damage and Speed Breakdown:
Damage Points: 0 21 42 63 76 84
Surface Speed: 34 25 16 8 0 sinks
Chevalier DD (ex-DDE)
Displacement: 2699 std
In Class: [4]
Acoustic Counterm: 1st Gen Twd
In Service: 1962 - 75
Electronic Counterm: None
ESM: 1st Gen
Propulsion: Steam
Crew: 345
Size Class: Small
Signature: Smll/Noisy
Weapons: ROF
2F/A(2)3 Mk38 5 in/38//1 Mk25 C
PB/SB(3)2 Mk32 TT w/3 Mk44 torp F
PB/SB(1)2 Mk25 TT w/1 see remarks F
F(24)2 Mk10/11 Hedgehog w/6 salvoes E
Aft Pad (1)2 DASH B
Sensors:
SPS-10, SPS-40 J
SQS-4 Mv
Remarks:
Gearing FRAM II class DD, ex-DDR (1962 to 1963). Special damage modifier of .85 for aluminum superstructure. DD 805 Chevalier, 807 Benner, 830 Everett F. Larson, 877 Perkins.
Damage and Speed Breakdown:
Damage Points: 0 21 42 63 76 84
Surface Speed: 34 25 16 8 0 sinks
Lloyd Thomas DD (ex-DDE)
Displacement: 2699 std
In Class: [6]
Acoustic Counterm: 1st Gen Twd
In Service: 1944 - 83
Electronic Counterm: None
ESM: 1st Gen
Propulsion: Steam
Crew: 345
Size Class: Small
Signature: Smll/Noisy
Weapons: ROF
F/A(2)2 Mk38 5 in/38//1 Mk25 C
PB/SB(3)2 Mk32 TT w/3 Mk44 torp F
PB/SB(1)2 Mk25 TT w/2 see remarks E
F(24)1 Mk15 Hedgehog w/6 salvoes E
Aft Pad (1)2 DASH B
Sensors:
SPS-10, SPS-6 J
SQS-4 M
Remarks:
Gearing FRAM II class DD, ex-DDE (1961). Special damage modifier of .85 for aluminum superstructure. FRAMed between 1961 to 1962.
Damage and Speed Breakdown:
Damage Points: 0 21 42 63 76 84
Surface Speed: 34 25 16 8 0 sinks
Gyatt DDG
Displacement: 2637 std
In Class: [1]
Acoustic Counterm: 1st Gen Twd
In Service: 1945 - 69
Electronic Counterm: None
ESM: 1st Gen
Propulsion: Steam
Crew: 345
Size Class: Small
Signature: Smll/Noisy
Weapons: ROF
F(2)2 Mk38 5 in/38//1 Mk25 C
A/P&S(2)2 Mk33 3 in/50//1 Mk35 C
A(2)1 Mk8 w/2 Terrier//1 Mk25 D
F(24)2 Mk10/11 Hedgehog w/6 salvoes E
Sensors:
SPS-6, SPS-10 J
QHB M
Remarks:
Gearing class DD. 12 reloads for Terrier. Converted in 1955. Terrier removed 1962. Classified as DDG 712 until 1957, the DDG 1 until 1962, then back to DD 712.
Damage and Speed Breakdown:
Damage Points: 0 24 48 73 88 97
Surface Speed: 34 25 16 8 0 sinks
DSN-3 ASW
Gun Atk: 0
Man Rting: 0.5/0.5
Size: Small
Signature: Small
Counterm: None
Bombsight: None
Sensors: None
Performance Speed in Knots
Throttle Setting
Altitude Cruise Full Mil Reheat
V/Low: 63(0.3) 92(0.4) dream on
Ceiling: 100 meters
Engine Type: RP
Endurance Data Inflight Refuel: N
Cruise Range: 141 nm
Int Fuel: ? kg
Ordnance Loadouts: Payload: x kg
- 2 Mk44/46 torp
- 1 Mk17 depth charge
- 1 W 44 nuclear depth charge
Remarks:
DSN-3 (QH-50D). The DASH is controlled by an operator on the flight deck. All air search radars must be in the standby position as to not interfere with piloting. The Mk25 GFCS radar is used to track the DASH and may not be used for ASuW or AAW engagements. If two Mk43/44 torp are carried, there is a 50% chance of the DASH flipping over and crashing with the release of the first torp.
BT
Back to The Naval Sitrep #14 Table of Contents
Back to Naval Sitrep List of Issues
Back to MagWeb Master Magazine List
© Copyright 1998 by Larry Bond and Clash of Arms.
This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web.
Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com