Twenty-nine Charles F. Adams Class Destroyers were built in the early 1960's; 23 for the United States Navy, 3 for the Royal Australian Navy and 3 for the Federal German Navy. They are versatile and highly-capable warships built to be effective in multiple complex missions. They were the state-of-the-art destroyers of their day and brought the U.S. Navy into the missile age.

During service spanning four decades they performed valiantly around the world. This class saw arduous duty during Vietnam and other regional conflicts, earning many battle stars, service ribbons, and accolades.

These ships can truly do it all; from front-line compact duty, to humanitarian and good-will missions such as search and rescue or diplomatic port visits. The class can engage enemies above, on, and below the surface of the sea, with missiles, guns, surface-to-surface missiles, over-the-side torpedoes and rocket-thrown torpedoes, all supported by a wide array of electronic equipment which provides command & control and electronic warfare capabilities.

Propulsion is provided by four steam boilers driving twin screws delivering a total of 70,000 shaft horsepower. Top speed is in excess of 30 knots. Cruising range is over 6000 nautical miles at moderate speed and over 2600 nautical miles at high speed. The ability to refuel underway gives them almost unlimited endurance and range.

These ships have earned the respect of sea services worldwide. It is no surprise that an impressive number of today's Naval leaders have cut their tactical teeth in Adams Class destroyers.

They are the true WARSHIPS, the "Greyhounds" of the fleet, with sleek and classic lines. They have set the standard for all that follow.

Their memory will live on as the last warship that truly looks like a warship.

DDG Characteristics