DD 963 Spruance

DD 963 Spruance class destroyers were developed to perform anti-submarine warfare (ASW) in support of the US Navy's aircraft carrier strike groups. Its primary role is to hunt down and destroy hostile nuclear- or conventionally powered submarines in adverse weather. Spruance multi-purpose destroyers also were provided with secondary capability to engage aircraft, surface vessels and land targets. Its propulsion system is based on four General Electric LM2500 gas turbines which provide 80,000-shp allowing a top speed of 33 knots. The weapon system of an Spruance destroyer consists of two Mark 45 127mm naval guns, two Mark 15 Phalanx 20mm Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS), two triple torpedo tube launchers, ASROC anti-submarine missile, Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missile, Harpoon anti-ship missile and Tomahawk land attack cruise missile. Several destroyers were upgraded with 61-cell Mark 41 vertical launch system or missile launch canisters which allowed these ships to fire Tomahawk. In addition, two SH-60 LAMPS III helicopters provide additional capability for anti-submarine warfare. The US Navy commissioned 31 of Spruance class destroyers between 1975 and 1983. They were deployed in open ocean missions within carrier strike groups and in support of amphibious operations. After nearly 30 years of honorable service to the fleet, USS Spruance (DD 963) was decommissioned during a ceremony at Naval Station Mayport March 23, 2005. The last Spruance-class destroyer in service with the US Navy, USS Cushing (DD 985), was decommissioned in San Diego on 21 September 2005.

deagel.com: https://www.deagel.com/x/x/a000660