Gearing-class (DD-710)
Summary
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Destroyer |
| Subtype | ASM destroyer |
| Manufacturer | Bath Iron Works, Maine, Consolidated Steel, Texas, Bethlehem, , Staten Island, New York, Fore River, Massachusetts, San Pedro, California, San Francisco, California, , Federal Shipbuilding, New Jersey, Todd Pacific Seattle, Washington |
| Year commissioned | 1945 |
Description
The Gearing-class destroyers, consisting of 98 vessels, were commissioned by the U.S. Navy during and after World War II as an enhancement of the preceding Allen M. Sumner class. The modification included a 14-foot extension to the midship hull, increasing fuel storage and operational range. Although construction began in the mid-1940s, the Gearings entered service too late to significantly contribute to World War II efforts but were actively used through the 1970s with several rounds of updates. Eventually, many of these destroyers were sold to foreign navies where they continued service.
The Gearing-class destroyers originated with procurement and construction efforts that spanned various shipbuilding companies. The initial orders were placed in 1942 and 1943, including Federal Shipbuilding, Bath Iron Works, Bethlehem Steel, and Todd Pacific Shipyards. Further awards were made under the 70% Expansion Act, but numerous vessels were cancelled post-World War II due to changing naval requirements.
Design-wise, Gearing-class ships were characterized by their lengthened hulls, which facilitated extended operations. They closely mirrored the Sumner-class vessels regarding armaments, such as the three 5-inch/38 caliber guns, torpedoes, and an array of anti-aircraft weaponry, with subsequent modifications during their operational history that shifted focus to anti-submarine warfare.
Throughout their service history, the Gearing class saw several upgrade programs, notably the 1950s radar picket conversions, the 1960s Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) I and II upgrades, and changes to anti-submarine and Anti-Aircraft weaponry systems. FRAM I significantly overhauled 79 ships to anti-submarine platforms with modernized equipment, while FRAM II, primarily intended for the Sumner-class, included 16 Gearings.
The operational history of the Gearing class is significant for its extended service through the Vietnam War, offering gunfire support and serving in various escort roles. Once leading anti-submarine warfare capabilities, they were eventually supplanted by newer classes like the Spruance destroyers and decommissioned from U.S. service in the 1970s and '80s.
After U.S. decommissioning, many Gearings found new life in foreign fleets, such as Taiwan's Republic of China Navy (ROCN), which upgraded the vessels under the Wu Chin programs, renaming them Yang-class destroyers. These ships received various contemporary armaments and support systems before their eventual retirement.
A few Gearing-class destroyers have been preserved as museum ships worldwide, including in the United States, South Korea, Taiwan, and Turkey, offering historical insights into naval warfare and ship design evolution. Parts of some destroyers also survive in various capacities, such as in museums or naval facilities.
Technical specifications
| Gearing | |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 3540 tons |
| Range | 8000 km at 15 knots |
| Crew | 350 members |
| Width | 12.5 m (41.0 ft) |
| Length | 119.0 m (390.4 ft) |
| Propulsion | 2 Westinghouse electric motors with a power of 60,000 hp each - 2 propellers |
| Thrust | 1200 hp |
| Armament | 6 127mm guns + 12 40mm Bofors guns + 16 20mm AA guns + 10 533mm TLT |
| Maximum speed | 37 knots |