[R. Scott]

I thought the frigate was the smallest. The line between the cruiser and the destroyer was erased long ago.

[Toadman]

Actually there's the American PC (recently transferred to the Coast Guard). You could do a trans-oceanic trip on board but wouldn't like it! I know one did a Pacific transit in the 90's. Ship and crew were pretty banged up.

[sukhoi-30mki]

Actually,these days folks like Germany,Holland,Spain,Italy among other designate ships aboyve 5,000 tonnes s frigates,though they are as capable as most destroyers.

These days,the smallest multi-role ships(upto 2,500 tonnes) are corvettes.Russia,Germany,Holland among others build & export such vessels.

[Wonder Warthog]

" thought the frigate was the smallest. The line between the cruiser and the destroyer was erased long ago."

I thought the Navy phased out frigates years ago for "open ocean" warfare--though I would guess that the Coast Guard probably has some vessels of that class??

[Vanders9]

Things like corvettes and Patrol craft still exist.