What You Need to Know: The Fletcher-class destroyers were the most numerous and arguably among the most versatile warships of World War II, with 175 commissioned by the U.S. Navy. Designed for long-range operations, these destroyers featured advanced firepower, including five 5-inch/38-caliber guns, torpedo tubes, and anti-submarine capabilities.

While 19 were lost during the war, particularly during the Battle of Okinawa, their robust design saved many more.

Post-war, 39 Fletchers served during the Korean War, and many were sold to allied navies. Remarkably, one, the BAM Cuitlahuac (ex-USS John Rodgers), remained active until 2001.

Fletcher-Class Destroyer, Explained  

During World War II, the United States Navy commissioned 175 Fletcher-class destroyers, more than any other type of destroyer. Heavily populating the U.S. fleet during a time of acute need, the Fletcher became a workhorse vessel, contributing mightily to arguably the most arduous naval campaign in the history of war: the U.S. effort to overtake Japan in the Pacific Theater. 

The Fletcher helped pave the way across the Pacific, performing a multitude of tasks, including anti-submarine and anti-aircraft warfare. But in doing so, the Fletcher paid a price; nineteen Fletchers were destroyed during the war. 

Designing the Fletcher 

The Fletcher is regarded as a well-designed vessel. Named for Admiral Frank F. Fletcher, recipient of the Medal of Honor, the Fletcher class was the largest destroyer class ordered during the war. The vessel’s large size was permissible after the lifting of naval treaties that had previously limited the dimensions of destroyers. Unrestricted by treaty-imposed sized limitations, the Fletcher was made with long-range operations in mind. 

The vessel measured 369 feet long with a thirty-nine-foot beam and a seventeen-foot draft. She displaced 2,500 tons when fully loaded. For firepower, she featured five five-inch/.38-caliber guns in single Mk-30 turrets. Additionally, she featured ten twenty-one-inch torpedo tubes configured in two quintuple mounts amidship, which were capable of deploying twenty-one-inch Mark 15 torpedoes. 

For anti-submarine operations, the Fletcher was fitted with two racks of 300-pound depth charges and six K-gun 300-pound depth charger throwers. For anti-aircraft operations, the Fletcher featured a quadruple 1.1-inch/75 caliber gun and six Oerlikon 20-mm cannons. Mid-war, however, the Bofors 40-mm gun was used to replace the 1.1-inch gun.  

The Fletcher was able to take on significant amounts of weaponry in large thanks because of her design: she was less top-heavy than previous destroyer designs.   

Deploying the Fletcher 

The Fletcher-class took heavy losses during World War II. Nineteen Fletchers were lost during the conflict. Six more were damaged to the point where the Navy opted not to bother with repairs. So, in total, twenty-five Fletcher destroyers were lost during the war, the vast majority of which (seventeen) were lost during the spring and early summer of 1945, off the coast of Okinawa.  

Despite the losses, the Fletcher did prove herself valuable to the American cause. Operating with heavy firepower and heavy armor, more Fletchers undoubtedly would have been lost without her structure being so soundly designed.  

And while the Fletchers are best remembered for their contributions to World War II, thirty-nine of the vessels were also used during the Korean War, having been refitted under the SCB 74A project. The Korean War-era version of the Fletcher featured less weaponry overall and an anti-submarine rocket known as the Weapon Alpha.  

Many Fletchers were sold to other countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Greece, Japan, Taiwan, Turkey, and West Germany. Most of the Fletchers were out of service by the 1970s. But one Fletcher, the BAM Cuitlahuac of the Mexican Navy, and formerly the USS John Rodgers of the U.S. Navy, served until 2001.  

About the Author: Harrison Kass

Harrison Kass is a defense and national security writer with over 1,000 total pieces on issues involving global affairs. An attorney, pilot, guitarist, and minor pro hockey player, Harrison joined the US Air Force as a Pilot Trainee but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken. 

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