Mitscher-class destroyer

USS John S. McCain underway in early 1960s
Class overview
NameMitscher class
Builders
Operators United States Navy
Preceded byNorfolk class
Succeeded byForrest Sherman class
Built1949–1954
In commission1953–1978
Completed4
Retired4
General characteristics
TypeDestroyer leader
Displacement3,642 tons standard; 4,855 full load
Length490 ft (150 m)
Beam47.5 ft (14.5 m)
Draft14.7 ft (4.5 m)
Propulsion2 shaft; geared steam turbines; 4 boilers; 80,000 shp (60,000 kW)
Speed30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Range4,500 nmi (8,300 km; 5,200 mi) at 20 kn (37 km/h; 23 mph)
Complement
  • Officer: 28
  • Enlisted: 345
Armament

The Mitscher-class destroyer was an experimental destroyer class of four ships that were built for the United States Navy shortly after World War II. Considerably larger than all previous destroyers, but smaller than their immediate predecessor, the experimental Norfolk, they would have been the first post-war destroyer class had they not been reclassified during construction as destroyer leaders (DL). Commissioned in 1953–1954, two of the class served until 1969, and were scrapped in the 1970s. The other two were converted into guided missile destroyers (DDG), served until 1978, and were sold for scrap by 1980.