The firing sequence—“...five . . four . . three . . two . . one . . shoot . . birds away!”—is being repeated more and more often as new guided missile ships, particularly the guided missile destroyers (DDG), join the Fleet. Today, the DDG is no longer a novel weapons system which must prove itself. She is a ready offensive unit which has been fully integrated into the U. S. Atlantic and Pacific Cruiser-Destroyer Forces, and has been deployed in the First, Second, Sixth, and Seventh Fleets.
About three years ago, the Australian government contracted for the purchase of three DDGs to be built in the United States. Two of these have been launched and the first one was commissioned in the spring of 1965. In 1964 it was announced that West Germany had signed articles of agreement to order three U. S.-built DDGs for its expanding Navy. Other navies, too, are presently concerned with the operational aspects of the DDG. The USS Claude V. Ricketts (DDG-5), named for the late Vice Chief of Naval Operations who championed the multilateral force concept, is conducting a test of the feasibility of crewmen from several NATO countries working and living together as an effective combat team prior to manning a controversial multilateral surface force of Polaris missile ships.
It might be useful, therefore, to take a closer look at the DDG; to refresh our memory as to how the design evolved; to consider the initial problems that have been overcome; and to ask ourselves how we can best make improvements in this potent weapons system which will be with us for some time to come.
Conversely, it is not the purpose of this article to justify the existence of the DDG or to compare it with the larger AAW frigates or smaller ASW ships. Each of these has its place in a modern, flexibly responsive fleet. Suffice it to say that the DDG is now present in significant numbers in our Navy, and our concern is to get on with the professional tasks of keeping these versatile ships combat ready and employing them to best advantage.
The Navy’s first attempt at outfitting an older all-purpose destroyer with a guided missile capability was not very productive. A Terrier missile battery was installed in an existing long-hull, World War II Gearing-class destroyer, USS Gyatt (designated DDG-1). The problems of cramming all the ancillary equipment into the limited spaces available were tremendous. Adequacy and stability of the power supply were marginal. The Terrier was just too big for this class of ship, but the experience gained from this initial experiment with a missile system in a destroyer at sea helped speed development of the smaller Tartar system, which at that time was still in the R&D stage.
Meanwhile, in an attempt to reduce costs, the Bureau of Ships was considering a version of the newer 931-class destroyer to be equipped with missiles. Here, again, the weight and space requirements defied a satisfactory solution to the conversion problem, and wisely it was decided to carry the Tartar missile system as well as the new ASROC (antisubmarine) missile. (Subsequent technical developments, such as the lighter and smaller single arm launcher, have now made it practical and economical to convert some 931-class destroyers to missile ships and, this conversion is presently in progress.) This is an example of how quickly technology in the missile field is moving today. Five years ago this conversion was impractical.
Thus was born the USS Charles F. Adams (DDG-2) the first ship of the class which bears her name, and the first combatant ship type to carry the Tartar missile as her primary weapon system. Commissioned in September 1960, she underwent a particularly rigorous trial and shakedown period designed to turn up any “bugs” that might be eliminated in later ships during the construction phase. The Tartar system, in particular, received a thorough wringing out, and the changes recommended improved the follow-on ships to a significant degree. Most of these changes were of a technical nature. They consisted of modifications to improve performance and reliability of specific equipment, particularly those components which comprise the missile system. There were others, however, that were nontechnical and dealt with such matters as the rearrangement of existing equipment in assigned spaces in order to improve operability or maintainability. Although all these changes initially cost money, in the long run, substantial savings were achieved, since it is cheaper in terms of both time and money to make necessary changes in the builders’ yards rather than to have to backfit ships after completion.
Ship Characteristics. DDG-2 and her younger sisters displace about 4,500 tons at full load—almost twice as much as their World War II forebears. Distinguished by her high, rakish clipper bow, the Charles F. Adams has a length of 437 feet, a 47-foot beam, and draws 22 feet of water to the bottom of the sonar dome. Her 1,200 p.s.i. steam, 70,000 horsepower, geared turbine main propulsion plant drives her through the water at 30 knots plus with an emphasis on the “plus.” This engineering plant is the result of many years of known-how gained through experience of BuShips design engineers. It consists of four, boilers located front-to-front in two fire-rooms. These boilers are controlled by an automatic combustion control system which automatically meters the proper proportions of air and atomized fuel oil to the boiler to operate at maximum efficiency. At the same time, another part of the system maintains the water level of the boiler at the proper level. All of this is done by an elaborate but dependable electro-pneumatic system which has a manual over-ride in case of failure of some component. There are also automatic safety features which secure the boiler in case of failure of any one of several casualty sensing devices. A control console located in the fireroom enables one man to monitor and control both boilers in that fireroom and provides a continuous readout of boiler operating conditions. Also available are the manual over-ride features in case of the rare failure of the automatic system.
Another feature of this engineering plant solves a problem which has always plagued the conning officers in World War II destroyers. This is the problem of superheat. In any destroyer, superheated steam at 950 degrees Fahrenheit provides greater efficiency than non-superheated or saturated steam at 700 degrees Fahrenheit. In earlier ships, it has been standard practice to provide separate burners in a boiler for superheaters and for the “other” or saturated side of the boiler. At speeds above eight or ten knots, superheater burners are cut in and slowly (because of the metal stresses involved) the boiler is brought up to superheat temperature. When this has been accomplished, in about 20 minutes, the ship is ready to make her deigned speed. When slowing down, the superheater burners are cut out and the temperature of the steam in the boiler is slowly lowered. This takes the ship about the same length of time.
This procedure works well for normal cruising but let us suppose our destroyer is acting as rescue destroyer for a carrier at 27 knots and a plane crashes on take-off or landing. The destroyer proceeds to the crash site at maximum speed, and then her commanding officer’s immediate requirement is to stop while he effects the rescue of the plane crew. Since his superheaters are cut in, he must bring the steam temperature down gradually or risk severe and expensive damage to the boiler. He does this by rocking his engines through “back” and “ahead” to keep steam flowing in the system while he recovers the plane crew. Immediately thereafter, he may have to “catch” the carrier to transfer a rescued aircraft crewman, perhaps injured, and he needs his 27 knots again. Again, he cuts in the superheaters and slowly builds up his speed. This dependable but somewhat cumbersome system has been in standard use in destroyers since before World War II. Now, however, in the latest destroyer types, of which our DDG is one, this is no longer necessary. The superheaters are an integral part of the boiler, and the steam flow is such that radical changes in speed are no problem. Speeds from zero to maximum can be taken in stride, and our destroyer’s flexibility is greatly increased.
Another feature of the DDG is an all-aluminum superstructure which helps to cut down topside weight, and since it does not rust, vastly reduces hull maintenance. Additionally, the outside of the deckhouse structure has been stripped of the multitudinous brackets, stanchions, etc., which have always been the deck seaman’s nightmare from a maintenance point of view. Where possible, all portable equipment has been provided an interior hull stowage thereby saving additional valuable maintenance man-hours.
Hull shape, particularly the high clipper bow with the resultant sheer, gives the DDG excellent rough weather sea-keeping qualities. One of her additional outstanding features is a large enclosed bridge with excellent visibility both fore and aft and an ideal functional arrangement of ship control equipment.
The Combat Information Center arrangement in the DDG is of a modern functional design. Separate “modules” for search and detection, surface and ASW tracking, air control and weapons control feed their inputs by electronic, audio, and visual display to the Display and Decision area where the ship’s evaluator, who is usually either the ship’s captain or executive officer, can make a command decision based on the displayed tactical situation combined with his special knowledge and mature experience. Information from other ships in the same geographical area is also supplied by radio, and is graphically displayed for the evaluator’s use in arriving at his decision for the proper course of action to counter the current threat.
All DDGs are fitted with an additional module where a unit commander either of division or squadron level has see-through access to the same information available to the evaluator, and may thereby direct the efforts of the several ships under his command through the adequate modern communication channels at his fingertips.
As mentioned earlier, the DDG carries the Tartar missile system as her main battery. This solid propellant “bird,” with a range of better than 15 miles in the later versions has an impressive rate of fire, is push-button loaded, and is automatically controlled. Its high explosive warhead is lethal at a considerable distance from the target, and the fire control system so precise that it can measure distances down to an accuracy of a few feet.
As a backup for the missile system and for surface action or shore bombardment, two 5- inch, 54-caliber rapid-fire guns are installed. The ASW battery consists of ASROC missiles with either a high explosive or nuclear capability. This versatile weapon, together with the long range AN/SQS-23 sonar, provides the ship with a stand-off ASW capability. The ASROC is essentially a MK-44 antisubmarine torpedo with a rocket motor booster which propels it through the air to the vicinity of the submarine under attack. By pre-set signal then, the rocket motor cuts off, the booster falls away, and a parachute allows the torpedo to float gently to the water’s surface. There the parachute detaches, the torpedo’s own propulsion system starts, and the torpedo hunts down the target and homes on it. The great advantage of the ASROC system is the ability of the user to remain out of the attack range of the submarine, but at the same time to get his ASW weapon rapidly to within lethal range of the target.
The shipboard ASROC system consists of a large box-shaped launcher located amidships between the stacks, and an elaborate but dependable remote-controlled fire constrol system which is integrated with the AN/SQS-23 sonar into an effective, almost entirely automatic, all-weather ASW weapons system. For close-in submarine attacks, several deck-launched homing torpedoes are carried.
The support equipment for these offensive weapons is also well-adapted and versatile. High capability, long-range air search and height-finding radars provide early warning and acquisition data to the missile and gun systems. Additionally, the same radars are teamed with an excellent modern communication system, UHF direction finder, and TACAN (aircraft homing equipment), to provide an outstanding air control capability.
As would be expected in a new ship, the latest approved habitability improvements for increased efficiency and comfort of the crew have been incorporated in the DDG. All living and administrative spaces, and most control spaces are air-conditioned. Two 35- ton cooling plants, one forward and one aft, Provide proper temperature and humidity in all but the most extreme temperatures.
Other habitability improvements include Privacy features in crew’s quarters, extra stowage for personal belongings, fluorescent lighting, and tasteful colors of paint and tile in living compartments. A good technical and recreational library is provided. A built-in juke box and a closed circuit entertainment system where news and music can be broadcast throughout the ship are also included. This, coupled with facilities such as a well- stocked ship’s store, a barber shop, a post office and 24-hour-a-day coffee service, helps to keep the ship’s company comfortable.
Training. The new DDG training cycle starts about a year before the commissioning of the ship. The fire controlmen, missile-specialized gunners mates and boiler technicians, who require specialized training in the 1,200-lb. Pressure steam system and automatic combustion control system described above, are sent to long lead-time schools. About four to six months before commissioning, the nucleus crew is assembled at the builder’s yard. This nucleus crew includes the prospective commanding officer, engineering officer, weapons officer, missile officer, fire control officer, supply officer, and main propulsion assistant, and about 70 of the senior key enlisted men of the ship’s company. At the builder’s yard, they observe the installation and testing of major equipment, and become acquainted with the ship. Effective cross-fertilization between yard workers and ship’s company before completion of construction facilitates turnover of the ship to the Navy when completed.
Meanwhile, the prospective executive officer and the remaining officers and men who will make up the crew upon commissioning have assembled at either San Diego or Newport for intensive basic and functional training consisting of instruction in fire-fighting, damage control, gun crew firing training, CIC training, school of the ship, and the other basic skills which make a competent functioning ship’s company.
After the commissioning, the ship goes through an intensive six weeks’ shakedown training where outside observers evaluate the ship’s progress and provide objective constructive criticism. The final battle problem, which is the “final exam,” puts the ship through every conceivable evolution which she may reasonably be expected to perform in wartime and certifies her readiness to take her place in the Fleet. At about the same time, the Board of Inspection and Survey observes the final acceptance trials to determine the material condition of the ship and that all construction specifications have been met. They then certify that the ship is ready, from a material viewpoint, for Fleet service.
The maintenance of operational readiness to a DDG captain is a constant, never-ending challenge. The high cost of today’s weapons, such as Tartar missiles and ASROC, requires that the maximum amount of training must be obtained from each and every firing. To this end, a series of target simulation situations are used to work up to actual firing. Installed synthetic trainers can provide dummy targets on radar scopes which can be used for air control, target designations, and tracking exercises. “Live” aircraft can make simulated attack runs on the ship, and all operations such as search and detection, target tracking, designation to the proper weapons system, “lock on” and count-down sequences can be carried out up to the firing point. The pre-firing tests and maintenance operations can also be carried out to ensure that a “go’ missile is available. The final test, though, is still an actual firing, and not only the weapons department but the whole ship works up to the supreme moment. The suspense as the count-down is broadcast, the “whoosh,” the flare, and smoke of the fast-rising missile and, hopefully, the hit and the drone seen falling through the air are thrills that anyone who has served or observed in a missile ship will not soon forget. The few seconds of the successful flight are adequate pay-off for the days, weeks, and months of hard work that went into the preparation.
As missile ships come of age, the foregoing procedures are being greatly condensed in time and scope. The ability to be ready to fire on a no-notice basis is the ultimate goal, and is steadily being approached as the material conditions of missile system and the proficiencies of the crew gradually improve.
With the limited number of submarines available for ASW training, target simulation here, too, is used for preliminary training. Again the cost of an ASROC dictates firing for training only when the crew is fully trained and capable of realizing maximum benefit from the actual firing. In all cases, post mortems of both successful and unsuccessful firings provide helpful data for future training and firings.
In summary, the limited number of missiles and ASW weapons and targets allocated for training firings barely satisfies training requirements. When a certain level of training is reached, the only “proof-of-the-pudding test as to the efficiency of the training and material condition of the weapons system is an actual firing exercise under as near wartime environment as can be created in peacetime. These firings coupled with a post-firing analysis of telemetered data recorded during the firing give us road signs pointing to the future improvement in technique, doctrine, and material.
Improvement Programs. In this era of rapid technological development, many alterations to the basic DDG weapons systems and equipment have already been made or are in the planning and development stage. These changes are the result of hard work, imagination, and co-operation on the part of industry, the technical bureaus, and of the Navy’s operating forces.
The most important alteration has been the changeover to the Improved Tartar (IT) missile from the Basic Tartar (BT), almost doubling the missile range. This change was evolutionary in that the increased range was due almost entirely to an improved solid propellant in the missile itself. To permit the full exploitation of this range capability, the more Powerful AN/SPG-51B radar replaced the original AN/SPG-51. Improved test equipment for the missiles and the provision of a dualfiring capability in some ships, enabling them to fire both the IT and BT missiles, were also Part of these changes. The later ships of the class were configured from the building ways up with these improvements. The earlier ones are being backfitted as they come into the yards for their post shakedown availabilities or their first regular overhauls. A new singlearm missile launcher is lighter than the original dual-arm launcher, and also has fewer moving parts, which results in greater ease of maintenance and repair.
Outside the missile system, itself, the improvement program is also extensive. New and improved communication equipment With greater range and reliability is being installed. TACAN is being backfitted in all ships of the class. Transfer-at-sea gear for missiles, stores, and fuel is being refined to cut down loading time. In fact, all facets of ship operations are constantly evaluated in the effort to increase proficiency and reliability.
Future Development. The continuing research and development program in weapons and fire control systems, together with timely suggestions and requirements initiated by the officers and men who fight the ships, will result in further improvements to the DDG of the future.
One of the areas that promises to return greatest dividends for the least expenditure is further extension of the Tartar missile range capability. With the tremendous R&D effort in this area for all our missile and space programs, it is not unreasonable to expect more improvement in the near future. In the face of new stand-off weapons being developed by potential aggressors, our need for greater air and surface kill range is readily apparent. It is also reasonable to assume that longer range, more accurate sonars; refined submarine classification devices and techniques; and more potent torpedoes will enhance the DDG’s antisubmarine warfare capabilities as intensified R&D efforts reach the pay-off stage.
Another area where improvement is desirable (but will not come as quickly or economically) is greater depth in supply support. Parts for highly complex systems must be available for immediate replacement. One approach is to pre-position and stock more “black boxes” or modules which are relatively simple to install in place of defective units. Peacetime “down times” of two or three weeks, while individual parts are flown from one or two supply sources to the ship which may be anywhere in the world, will be entirely unacceptable in wartime.
DDG readiness can be further augmented by use of the “iron round” concept. This means that a missile, after thorough initial adjustment testing at the issuing depot, is presumed ready to fire at any time and is treated on board ship as any other item of ammunition. Heretofore, it has been necessary for shipboard technicians to perform extensive periodic tests and make numerous adjustments in completing lengthy check-off lists prior to missile firing.
Sufficient numbers of MK-46 torpedoes for use with the ASROC system are needed now. The search capability and running characteristics of the MK-46 are far superior to the MK-44 torpedo still in use and will give added punch to the DDG’s ASYV capability. Plans for a follow-on to the MK-46 torpedo should be vigorously executed.
The surface-to-surface potential of Tartar should be explored further and the necessary refinements made to the system to make it more fully effective against surface targets. Many potentially hostile countries now have high-speed motor boats capable of carrying torpedoes or missiles with a stand-off capability. A nuclear warhead should be made available in order to realize the full potential of the missile against both air and surface targets.
A system of automatic data processing similar to the Naval Tactical Data System (NTDS) would enable the DDG to exploit the quick response and kill capability already inherent in Tartar. The system when eventually installed should be compatible with NTDS, but, hopefully, it would be cheaper and more compact.
The DDG’s future role is bright indeed. While her primary mission as a missile-firing destroyer is to protect heavy fleet units, primarily carriers, with her close-in air defense umbrella; she is equipped also as an effective antisubmarine ship. She can pursue both of these missions most effectively when placed in a loose screen and allowed freedom of movement required to unmask her potent batteries.
The DDG’s outstanding air control capability and excellent rough weather sea-keeping ability contribute to her use as a running mate for an attack carrier.
No commander has ever had enough destroyers, but the arrival of the DDG gives him a powerful and versatile addition to his forces at sea—a ship he can call upon and which he knows will excel in any destroyer role.