Post–World War II
Frigates 1950-75
Destroyer Leaders
Farragut-Coontz Class
Leahy Class
Belknap Class
USS Sterett
Nuclear Classes
Gun Destroyers
Missile Destroyers
Early ASW Escorts
Post-1975 ASW Escorts
Arleigh Burke Class
USS Belknap (CG 26).
GENERAL INFORMATION

Length: 547' overall; 524' waterline.

Beam: 54' 9".

Draft: 11' 10".

Displacement: 5,409 long tons light; 7,890 long tons full load.

Propulsion machinery: geared steam turbines, 85,000 shp; 2 shafts.

Design speed: 32 knots.

Endurance: 7,100 nm @ 20 knots.

Design complement: 23 officers; 365 enlisted.

The final DLG class, the Belknap, was an expanded version of the Leahy class with new radar, sonar and dynamic roll stabilization on a 547' hull, 23 feet longer than the Leahys. The design incorporated a hangars and flight deck for the new drone anti-submarine helicopters (DASH) and a single 5-inch/54 caliber gun mounted aft. ASROC were launched by the single Terrier missile battery forward. The Farragut propulsion machinery was retained.

Nine ships were built. Big and beautiful, they were the most seaworthy and successful of the DLGs. With the exception of the nuclear-powered frigates named for states, they also proved to be the last, as their capabilities were approached by the smaller Charles F. Adams-class DDGs.

Sources: Bauer & Roberts, Friedman, Silverstone; Global Security.