Stories in the U.S. Navy concerning destroyer classes have evolved significantly over the last century. From the early 20th century to date, these warships have borne the brunt of naval warfare as they have shown development along different axes in terms of speed, maneuverability, and endurance.
Bainbridge-Class: The Pioneer
Authorized in 1899 after the Spanish-American War, the Bainbridge-class destroyers were the first of their kind. By 1903, thirteen Bainbridge-class destroyers had been built.
These ships, for their day, were perhaps primitive in design, but they employed both coal-fired boilers and triple-expansion engines to a technology level for that era. One of these tin cans was the USS Chauncy, which sank during World War I after being hit by the British SS Rose.
Clemson-Class: The World War I Workhorse
Between 1919 and 1922, the Navy commissioned 156 Clemson-class destroyers. What was a minor redesign of the Wickes-class destroyers, these were much better; they had greater fuel capacity and enhanced anti-submarine capabilities.
Although Clemson-class ships were slower, they were better ranged and had more space for depth charges, making them quite apt at hunting down enemy submarines.
However, the class also witnessed tragedy when fourteen Clemson-class destroyers were lost in the 1923 Honda Point Disaster, resulting in the greatest peacetime loss of Navy ships in U.S. history.
Fletcher-Class: The World War II Powerhouse
The Fletcher-class destroyers were the biggest and most numerous of those constructed during the Second World War, with 175 units being completed. The ships approached almost 370 feet in length and displaced 2,500 tons, being highly armored and equipped for combat.
It was these Fletcher-class destroyers that provided a bulk of the waged battles throughout the war, including some of the most brutal engagements off the coast of Okinawa. In fact, between March and July 1945, 17 of them were sent to their bunks.
Arleigh Burke-class: The Modern Mainstay
The keel was laid in 1988. Since then, the Arleigh Burke class has become an excellent achievement for the U.S. Navy. As many as 73 units have been built. The ship is over 500 feet long and displaces between 8,300 and 9,700 tons.
Arleigh Burke class employs stealth features and is fully provided with radar apparatus as well as weapons. Just like any other ship, it had its share of difficulties too. DDG-67 Cole was attacked by terrorists in the year 2000 whereby the ship suffered huge damage, and more devastatingly, it resulted in huge loss of lives.
This among others has comprised two significant collisions that have befallen the ship: that of the DDG-62 Fitzgerald in 2017 and that of the DDG-56 John S. McCain in the same year 2017.
There have also been perceived flaws in the safety and navigation procedures of modern destroyers.
Zumwalt-Class: The Future of Naval Warfare
The Zumwalt-class destroyers mark a milestone in the future of naval innovation, featuring multi-mission stealth capabilities and specialization toward land attack.
Even so, a price tag of more than $4 billion per unit has earned it cancellation status, although it was already completed in three ship units. The Zumwalt class will not be taken as a prominent ship, yet it forms a bridge to the future destroyer design.
From Bainbridge to Zumwalt: the U.S. Navy has evolved through constant changes in naval technology and strategy, reflecting the needs and challenges of warfare at sea.