even back then ships hauled ass... I was in when the Spruance Class came out(early 80’s). We just got done doing a couple connects and reconnects with a few ships for practice that afternoon. when we were done one of the Spruance Class Destroyers did a drive by at Full Military!! Full Speed pass. It was the most amazing thing I have ever seen!! A Spruance was almost 2wice as long as the old tin cans. but let me tell you! That thing hauled ass!! the breaking splash from the very front didnt land till after mid ship!(speed) and the roostertail was well above what would be the third deck above main(Power!!). and the Gas Turbine whine was bad ass!!
I’ll never forget it!! Especially when their skipper came out on their little bridge wing and snapped out old man a sharp salute when they hauled pass!!
...snapped OUR old man***
Yes, I always thought they were good looking vessels, and yes...they WERE fast!
I know this because when the carrier I was on was hauling ass, they were always right there with us. I was always impressed that they ran off the gas turbine engines!