The Top Speed of Navy Destroyers

U.S. Navy Destroyers are fast moving ships with offensive and defensive capabilities. The ships operate independently or in a fleet support role within a task force. The prefix "DDG" is used on all U.S. Navy Destroyer classes.

Arleigh Burke class

As of 2010, the Arleigh Burke class, the only destroyers in the U.S. fleet, are capable of speeds of just over 30 knots. The ships have four general electric LM 2500-30 gas turbine engines and two shafts that produce a total of 100,000 shaft horsepower. The majority of the Arleigh Burke class destroyers are stationed in Norfolk, Virginia.

Zumwalt Class

As of 2010, the Zumwalt class destroyers are under construction. Three ships in the class are expected to have speeds of 30 knots. The ships will carry up to six aircraft. The ships displacement will be 15,482 long tons.

Fletcher Class

The Fletcher class destroyers were used during World War II and were successful in the Battle of the Pacific against the Japanese Navy. The ships were fastest destroyers in the U.S. fleet with a capable speed of 36 knots. The last Fletcher class destroyer was decommissioned from the U.S. Navy in 1971.

References

• U.S. Navy Ships
• The U.S. Navy: Fact File
• U.S. Navy: List of U.S. Navy Ships
• Destroyer History: Fletcher Class Destroyer in World War II

Resources

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• NATO: News