[elcid1970]

If it’s that large, it’s not a destroyer. A true destroyer is known by one name only, “tin can”. Destroyers are called “tin cans” for a reason. “Tin can sailors” are proud of their service on destroyers for a reason.

“A destroyer doesn’t roll, it snaps.”

If it’s longer than 170 ft, it’s something other than a destroyer. For over a century, a destroyer’s mission is to carry torpedoes & protect the fleet from enemy submarines.

What’s not to understand?

[Chode]

i know what you mean, but it's what the USN calls, so... there we are

[WVKayaker]

If it’s longer than 170 ft, it’s something other than a destroyer.

Excuse me! I'm a “tin can sailor”, spending two years aboard the USS Perkins (DD 877), 1966-68. The Perkins was 391 feet long. It was a World War II vintage ship upgraded to Fram 2 configuration with a DASH helicopter aboard.

My ship went through a typhoon in company with the USS Coral Sea, and believe me we were rocking and rolling and rolling and rolling…

[myself6]

I thought antisub warfare was the job of the frigates...

Either way... ALL the ships i the carrier task force main job is to take a missle or torpedo before the carrier does...

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

The critical thing about destroyers is that they were regarded as the largest ship that was “expendable”. That is, the loss of which would not severely impact the fleet.

This was also a serious point of pride for destroyer crews, and some of them, led by “real men” Captains, were known for both aggressively taking on far more powerful enemy vessels, as well as having to be being blown to smithereens before abandoning ship.

USS O’Bannon (DD-450), a Fletcher-class destroyer, 17 battle stars and Presidential Unit Citation (PUC).

USS Maury (DD-401) a Gridley-class destroyer, 16 battle stars and PUC.

USS Nicholas (DD/DDE-449) a Fletcher-class destroyer, 16 battle stars and PUC.

USS Buchanan (DD-484), a Gleaves-class destroyer, 16 battle stars and PUC.

USS Russell (DD-414) a Sims-class destroyer, 16 battle stars.

USS Saufley (DD/DDE/EDDE-465), a Fletcher-class destroyer, 16 battle stars.

USS Taylor (DD/DDE-468) a Fletcher-class destroyer, 15 battle stars, Navy Unit Commendation.

USS Morris (DD-417), a Sims-class destroyer, 15 battle stars.

USS Fletcher (DD-445) a Fletcher-class destroyer, 15 battle stars.