Allen M. Sumner class destroyer

The "Allen M. Sumner" class of destroyers was built by the United States during World War II.

Description

The first ship was laid down in May 1943, while the last was launched in April 1945. In that time the United States produced 58 "Allen M. Sumner"-class destroyers. The "Sumner" class, as it is sometimes called, was based upon the previous "Fletcher" class, which were built from 1941 until 1944. In addition to the 3 twin 5"/38cal mounts, "Sumner"s had twin rudders, giving them better maneuverability for ASW work when compared to "Fletcher"s.

See also the "Robert H. Smith"-class destroyer minelayer (DML), all of which were built on hulls originally intended as "Sumner"s. Gearing class destroyers were of the same design with a convert|14|ft|m|sing=on extension to carry more fuel to extend the range.

Construction

18 were built by Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Kearny, New Jersey. 14 were built by Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine. 10 were built by Bethlehem Steel's Mariners Harbor shipyard on Staten Island. 6 were built by Bethlehem Steel's Union Iron Works in San Francisco, California. 5 were built by Bethlehem Steel in San Pedro, California. 5 were built by Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle, Washington. USS|Barton|DD-722 was the first ship of the class to be laid down and the first to be commissioned. USS|Henley|DD-762 was the last commissioned. 33 ships were converted under the FRAM II program.

Disposition

USS|Laffey|DD-724 is preserved as a memorial at Patriot's Point, Charleston, South Carolina and USS|Taussig|DD-746 is a museum ship in Taiwan. Four ships were sunk as a result of enemy action in World War II and another was so severely damaged that it was scrapped. Seven were sunk by the US in fleet training exercises. 12 were sold to the Republic of China Navy and 2 were sold to the Republic of Korea Navy. 2 were sold to the Shah of Iran and 1 was sold to Turkey. 2 were sold to Venezuela, 2 to Colombia, 2 sold to Chile, 5 sold to Brazil and 4 to Argentina. 13 were scrapped by the United States.

Units

External links

* [http://www.destroyerhistory.org/sumner-gearingclass/allenmsumnerclass.html "Allen M. Sumner"-class destroyers] at [http://www.destroyerhistory.org/index.html Destroyer History Foundation]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/dd-692.htm GlobalSecurity.org]
*http://www.gyrodynehelicopters.com/sumner_class.htm