Victory at Sea Fletcher-class Destroyers

Designed in 1939, some 175 Fletcher-class destroyers were commissioned between 1942 and 1944, more than any other class of destroyer. They performed every task expected of a destroyer, including anti-aircraft, anti-submarine and more traditional surface-based actions.

They served almost exclusively in the Pacific during World War II, capable of covering the vast distances required by fleet actions. In total, Fletcher-class destroyers accounted for the destruction of 20 Imperial Japanese Navy submarines. The Fletcher-class was considered a successful design and many went on to serve in the Korean War and at Vietnam.