Fletcher Class Destroyer

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The Fletcher class was a group of destroyers built by the United States during World War II. Designed in 1939 as a response to dissatisfaction with earlier destroyer leader types like the Porter and Somers classes, these ships would go on to serve with distinction. The Korean War saw some Fletchers continue their service, while others stayed through the Vietnam War. A total of 175 Fletcher-class destroyers were commissioned between 1942 and 1944, more than any other destroyer class built during this time. The design was widely regarded as a huge success, with Fletchers able to achieve speeds of up to 38 knots. Armed with five 5-inch guns in single mounts, they also carried 10 torpedoes each in two centerline mounts. The Allen M. Sumner and Gearing classes were derived from the Fletcher design. In every task a destroyer could be called upon for - anti-submarine warfare, anti-aircraft defense, surface action - Fletchers performed with great success. These ships had to cover long distances for fleet actions in the Pacific, which they did admirably. They operated primarily in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II, accounting for 29 Japanese submarines sunk. The massive effort that built these ships led to over 170 being constructed at shipyards across America. After World War II ended, many Fletchers were sold to countries like Italy, Germany, and Japan, as well as other navies where they had long, successful careers. A handful of them are preserved in museums around the United States and Greece, a testament to their enduring legacy.