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DD-963 SPRUANCE-class

Thirty-one SPRUANCE-class destroyers were developed for the primary mission of anti-submarine warfare, including operations as an integral part of attack carrier forces. The Spruance class ships are more than twice as large as a World War II destroyer and as large as a World War II cruiser. Utilizing highly developed weapons systems, SPRUANCE is designed to hunt down and destroy high speed submarines in all weather, but can also engage ships, aircraft, and shore targets. These multi-purpose combatants are also capable of providing naval gunfire support in conjunction with Marine amphibious operations worldwide.

Built with future growth in mind, their design is modular in nature, allowing for easy installation of entire subsystems within the ship. Space and power reservations have been made to accommodate future weapons and electronics systems as they are developed. Originally developed as Anti-Submarine (ASW) destroyers, 24 ships of this class were upgraded with the installation of a 61 cell Vertical Launch Missile System (VLS) capable of launching Tomahawk and Harpoon missiles.

Navy destroyers have historically been retired by 30 years of service. But in 1998 the seven Spruance-class destroyers which did not receive the Tomahawk VLS upgrade are being decommissioned after only two decades of service, to accomodate the introduction of the improved AEGIS-capable Arleigh Burke destroyers. All decommissioned ships are scheduled to be scrapped

The Spruance-class destroyer's inherent capabilities make it an ideal ship for surveillance operations. Endurance and response from the ship's four gas turbine engines make it possible to conduct such operations with minimal notice and with less fuel logistics concerns. Excellent command and control capabilities assures a thorough, carefully controlled effort.

ANTI-SUBMARINE

Anti-submarine warfare capabilities include a sonar suite that contains the most advanced underwater detection and fire control system yet developed. ASW weapons include two triple-barrel Mk 32 torpedo tubes and the Vertical Launch ASROC missile. In addition the ships can embark two SH-60B LAMPS Mk III helicopters to extend the range of the ship's weapons and sensors. Ultimately fitted with the SQS-53 hull-mounted active sonar, SQR-19 tactical towed passive acoustic array, anti-submarine rocket (ASROC) launchers and with twin hangars for LAMPS Mk III helicopters, these ships were in the forefront of the surface Navy’s defense against submarine attacks.

The equipment on board SPRUANCE enables detection of submarines at considerable ranges. The Sound Navigation and Ranging (SONAR) transmits a sound wave, which is reflected by the submarine to allow range and bearing assessment. When the position of the submarine has been determined, either by the ship or the ship's SH-60B Helicopter, computers will pass the necessary information to Anti-Submarine Rocket (ASROC) Missile System and the helicopter. An attack can be conducted with the ASROC (rocket-thrown torpedo). Once the ASROC is fired, at a predetermined time, the missile releases a homing torpedo which hunts down the submarine until it is destroyed. An attack can be conducted using the ASROC or a torpedo launched from the ship's torpedo launchers. SPRUANCE can stream a decoy from the stern to divert torpedoes fired at the ship. Another device, an expendable bathythermograph (XBT) measures the sea's temperature at varying depths and indicates how SONAR waves are bent by layers of warmer and colder water.

AN/SQR-19 The AN/SQR-19 Tactical Towed Array SONAR (TACTAS) is a series of acoustic modules designed to be towed at the end of a long cable out of the stern of the ship. This allows for the reduction of the noise emanating from the SPRUANCE and increasing the ship's passive capability. The Hoist Room, located under the fantail, contains the cable and the array. The display consoles are located in SONAR Control.
AN/SQQ-89 SONAR SYSTEM The AN/SQQ-89 SONAR System is designed to incorporate several subsystems, including the AN/SQS-53B Hull-Mounted SONAR, AN/SQS-19 Towed Array, LAMPS MK III Sonobuoys, and MK 116 MOD 6 Underwater Fire Control System (UFCS). It is the most advanced SONAR system in today's Fleet. Combining three SONAR systems and a fire control system into one suite, it gives SPRUANCE the ability to use the best of all systems, while overcoming the disadvantages of any one system.
SH-60B HELICOPTER The Light Airborne Multi-Purpose Systems, or LAMPS MK III, is a twin-engine helicopter that carries a crew of two pilots and a sensor operator/crewman. The primary mission of LAMPS MK III is Anti-Submarine Warfare. The SH-60B Seahawk is equipped with a sonobuoy deployment and interpretation system, Magnetic Anomaly Detection (MAD) gear, and threat detection/display equipment. Additionally, the aircraft is capable of carrying ASW torpedoes. LAMPS MK III secondary missions include gunfire spotting, over-the-horizon targeting, MEDEVAC, and search and rescue operations. SPRUANCES's flight deck has been modified to accommodate the Recovery Assist Securing and Transversing (RAST) System. This system allows helicopter flight operations in heavy weather.

ANTI-SURFACE
SPRUANCE is the first destroyer to be back-fitted with MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) which is capable of firing the Tomahawk Cruise Missile. This system enables SPRUANCE to engage shore- based, and naval surface targets at long range. In its strike platform role, modernization of 24 ships with vertical launch systems (VLS) and the Advanced TOMAHAWK Weapons Control System (ATWCS) makes these ships formidable platforms for offensive strikes against targets of military significance deep in enemy territory. State-of-the-art computer and satellite technology allow the ships to launch up to 61 precision guided TOMAHAWK cruise missiles from its Mk 41 VLS at land targets as far away as 700 nautical miles. Ships of this class fired 112 TOMAHAWK land attack cruise missiles into Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. They have subsequently been used for preemptive strikes at the direction of National Command Authorities in both Iraq and Bosnia.

These ships have traditionally had a major role in Naval Surface Fire Support for troops ashore, employing Harpoon antiship missiles and two 5-inch guns (also used for air defense and shore bombardment). The Harpoon Missile System is proven effective in engaging shipping at intermediate ranges. Fitted with two MK 45 lightweight 5 inch/54 caliber guns guns when built, their main battery can throw a projectile over 12 miles with a firing rate of 20 rounds per minute. The five-inch/54-caliber gun represents a major step forward in medium- caliber ordnance for the U.S. Navy. The result is a weapon which allows a single man in a control center to fire a load of 20 shells without help.

ANTI-AIR
Air defense capabilities include the NATO Sea Sparrow surface to air missile system, two 20mm Close-ln-Weapons Systems, and the SLQ-32 Electronic Counter Measures system. NATO Sea Sparrow Point Defense Missile System, also know as Sea Sparrow, is a close-in air defense system employing the RIM-7M Sparrow Missile. The system is designed to counter the threat of enemy aircraft and anti-ship cruise missiles. The system is produced as a cooperative effort by the U.S. and other NATO countries - Norway, Belgium, Denmark, Italy and the Netherlands.

The DD-963 Class has a very capable self defense system, with adequate low flyer detection source Mk 23 TAS/NSSMS FCR in sector search. It provides moderate field-of-fire blockage zones for NSSMS off port/starboard bow, and may be stationed in ID zone to supplement shotgun and provide additional air defense surveillance. However, the missile range is short, and the long range air search radar is 2D. The ship must be within 1.5nm of MEU and on threat axis to provide realistic area defense.

COMMUNICATIONS AND TACTICAL INFORMATION
The radio equipment aboard the ship enables SPRUANCE to send and receive messages from any part of the world. Operating 24 hours a day, speed and accuracy have been refined to an art by SPRUANCE radiomen. Communicating within a battle group for tactical purposes is accomplished through the Naval Tactical Data Systems (NTDS). All combat detection, tracking and fire control systems are integrated through the ship's digital Naval Tactical Data System Computer, providing the ships with fast and accurate processing of tactical information. Using high speed computer-to-computer data links, NTDS welds together the processing capabilities and sensors (radars, SONAR, etc.) of each of the individual units in company, presenting a complete tactical picture.

ENGINEERING
The ships are the first class of ships in the US Navy to have gas turbine power. The four General Electric LM-2500 engines are marine shaft power versions of the TF39 turbofan used on DC-10 and C-5A aircraft. Producing a total of 80,000 shaft horsepower, they can drive the ship in excess of 30 knots. Each of the three gas turbine generators produces 2,000 kilowatts of power. Twin controllable-reversible pitch propellers provide these ships with a degree of maneuverability unique among warships of its size.

A high degree of automation permits a reduced crew of 24 officers and 302 enlisted to operate the ship. Comfort and habitability are integral elements to the ship's design, which includes amenities such as a crew's lounge, ATM machine, gymnasium, class room, and ship's store.

Specifications
Power plant	4 - LM 2500 General Electric gas turbines two shafts, 80,000 shaft horsepower
Length	563 feet (171.6 meters)
Beam	55 feet (16.8 meters)
Displacement	9,100 tons (8,190 metric tons) full load
Speed	33 knots (38 mph, 60.8 kph)
Range	6000 NM @ 20 knots
Aircraft	Two SH-60 Seahawk LAMPS III helicopters
Crew	30 officers, 352 enlisted
Armament	2 - MK 143 Armored Box Launchers for Tomahawk SLCM or 1 - MK41 Vertical Launch System for Tomahawk SLCM 2 - MK 141 quad launchers w/ 8 Harpoon missiles MK 29 launchers for NATO Sea Sparrow Missile System 2 - MK 15 20mm Phalanx CIWS Close-In Weapons Systems 2 - 5-Inch 54 Cal. MK 45 Guns (lightweight gun) 2 - MK 32 triple tube mounts w/ six Mk-46 torpedoes) MK 112 Launcher for ASROC
Combat Systems	SPS-40E Air Search Radar SPS-55 Surface Search Radar SPG-60 Gun Fire Control Radar SPQ-9A Gun Fire Control Radar SQS-53B Sonar SQR-19 Tactical Towed Array Sonar SLQ-32 (V)3 OUTBOARD II
COMMAND AND CONTROL	JOTS Link 11 HF Radios UHF Radios VHF Radios
Unit Operating Cost Annual Average	~$35,000,000 [source: [FY1996 VAMOSC]

Ships
Name	Number	Builder	Homeport	Ordered	Commissioned	Decommissioned
Spruance	DD 963	Ingalls	Mayport	23 Jun 1970	20 Sep 1975	2005
Paul F. Foster	DD 964	Ingalls	Everett	01 Jun 1970	21 Feb 1976	2006
Kinkaid	DD 965	Ingalls	San Diego	01 Jun 1970	10 Jul 1976	2006
Hewitt	DD 966	Ingalls	Yokosuka	01 Jan 1971	25 Sep 1976	2006
Elliot	DD 967	Ingalls	San Diego	01 Jan 1971	22 Jan 1977	2007
Arthur W. Radford	DD 968	Ingalls	Norfolk	15 Jan 1971	15 Apr 1977	2007
Peterson	DD 969	Ingalls	Norfolk	15 Jan 1971	09 Jul 1977	2007
Caron	DD 970	Ingalls	Norfolk	15 Jan 1971	01 Oct 1977	2007
David R. Ray	DD 971	Ingalls	Everett	15 Jan 1971	19 Nov 1977	2007
Oldendorf	DD 972	Ingalls	San Diego	26 Jan 1972	04 Mar 1978	2008
John Young	DD 973	Ingalls	San Diego	26 Jan 1972	20 May 1978	2008
Comte De Grasse	DD 974	Ingalls	Norfolk	26 Jan 1972	05 Aug 1978	05 Jun 1998
O'Brien	DD 975	Ingalls	Yokosuka	26 Jan 1972	03 Dec 1977	2007
Merrill	DD 976	Ingalls	San Diego	26 Jan 1972	11 Mar 1978	26 Mar 1998
Briscoe	DD 977	Ingalls	Norfolk	26 Jan 1972	03 Jun 1978	2008
Stump	DD 978	Ingalls	Norfolk	26 Jan 1972	19 Aug 1978	2008
Connolly	DD 979	Ingalls	Mayport	15 Jan 1974	14 Oct 1978	Sep 1998
Moosbrugger	DD 980	Ingalls	Mayport	15 Jan 1974	16 Dec 1978	2008
John Hancock	DD 981	Ingalls	Mayport	15 Jan 1974	10 Mar 1979	2009
Nicholson	DD 982	Ingalls	Mayport	15 Jan 1974	12 May 1979	2009
John Rodgers	DD 983	Ingalls	Mayport	15 Jan 1974	14 July 1979	04 Sep 1998
Leftwich	DD 984	Ingalls	Pearl Harbor	15 Jan 1974	25 Aug 1979	27 Mar 1998
Cushing	DD 985	Ingalls	Yokosuka	15 Jan 1974	20 Oct 1979	2009
Harry W. Hill	DD 986	Ingalls	San Diego	15 Jan 1975	17 Nov 1979	29 May 1998
O'Bannon	DD 987	Ingalls	Mayport	15 Jan 1975	15 Dec 1979	2009
Thorn	DD 988	Ingalls	Norfolk	15 Jan 1975	16 Feb 1980	2010
Deyo	DD 989	Ingalls	Norfolk	15 Jan 1975	22 Mar 1980	2010
Ingersoll	DD 990	Ingalls	Pearl Harbor	15 Jan 1975	12 Apr 1980	24 Jul 1998
Fife	DD 991	Ingalls	Everett	15 Jan 1975	31 Mar 1980	2010
Fletcher	DD 992	Ingalls	Pearl Harbor	15 Jan 1975	12 Jul 1980	2010
Hayler	DD 997	Ingalls	Norfolk	29 Sep 1979	05 Mar 1983	2013