Allen M. Sumner-class (DD-692)

Summary

Description

The Allen M. Sumner class comprised 58 destroyers constructed by the United States during World War II, with an additional twelve completed as destroyer minelayers. This class was named after U.S. Marine Corps officer Allen Melancthon Sumner and introduced multiple advances over the earlier Fletcher class. These included twin 5-inch/38 caliber gun mounts, improved maneuverability with dual rudders, enhanced anti-aircraft capabilities, and additional weaponry.

As an evolution of the Fletcher class, the Sumners featured three twin gun mounts for the 5-inch/38 caliber guns, a step up from the Fletchers' five single mounts. The Sumners had improved fire control systems, with a Mark 37 Gun Fire Control System paired with a Mark 25 radar and a Mark 1A Fire Control Computer stabilized by a Mark 6 gyro. This sophisticated setup facilitated effective long-range anti-aircraft or anti-surface operations. The class also boasted more substantial short-range anti-aircraft armaments, encompassing 12 40 mm guns and 11 20 mm guns. Originally, they carried a heavy torpedo armament with 10 21-inch tubes in two quintuple mounts, but as the kamikaze threat grew in 1945 and the number of enemy warships dwindled, many Sumners replaced the aft torpedo tube mount with an additional 40 mm quadruple mount.

Despite the enhancements, the Sumner class retained similar hull dimensions to the Fletchers but was slightly larger, with just a 150-ton increase in standard displacement. This design was later extended to become the Gearing class with a midship extension to add fuel storage capacity.

In operational history, the Allen M. Sumner class played a vital role in the Battle of Okinawa and other missions, serving on radar picket stations and performing various other duties. During World War II, four Sumners were lost, and two suffered damage beyond repair. Post-war modifications included replacing the 40 mm and 20 mm guns with up to six 3-inch/50 caliber guns and the introduction of a tripod mast with enhanced radar capabilities. Additionally, anti-submarine warfare modifications were made to many ships. During the 1960s, FRAM II conversions were implemented on 33 ships, outfitting them with modern ASW equipment such as the Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter (DASH), though without the inclusion of ASROC. These "FRAM cans" also provided significant support in the Vietnam War and served alongside Carrier Battle Groups and Amphibious Ready Groups.

By the 1970s, the Sumners were being phased out of the U.S. Navy, replaced by Knox-class frigates. Many were transferred to other countries, with 29 sold to various navies including the Republic of China, South Korea, Iran, Turkey, Greece, Venezuela, Colombia, Chile, Brazil, and Argentina. Most of the remaining ships were sunk in training exercises or scrapped.

Technical specifications