Post–World War II
Frigates 1950-75
Destroyer Leaders
Farragut-Coontz Class
Leahy Class
Belknap Class
Nuclear Classes
Gun Destroyers
Missile Destroyers
Early ASW Escorts
Post-1975 ASW Escorts
Arleigh Burke Class
USS Leahy (CG 16).
GENERAL INFORMATION

Length: 533' overall; 510' waterline.

Beam: 53' 4".

Displacement: 5,146 long tons light; 7,590 long tons full load.

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

Design speed: 32 knots.

Endurance: 8,000 nm @ 20 knots.

Design complement: 25 officers; 352 enlisted.

The only “double-ended” DLG class—fitted with missile launchers fore-and-aft—was the Leahy class, the first and only frigate class designed without a main gun battery with which to engage in ship-vs.-ship or shore bombardment. Close-in anti-aircraft defense consisted of a pair of 3-inch/50 caliber guns firing VT-fuzed ammunition; anti-submarine armament consisted of ASROC and two triple Mk 32 torpedo mounts.

The Leahys carried over the machinery of the Farragut class, fitted into a longer hull designed with a knuckled “hurricane” bow that reduced plunging in a seaway, thus keeping its forecastle dry as needed to operate its forward missile launcher.

Three ships were authorized in FY 58 and six in FY 59.

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