Benham continued the group of 1,500-ton designs armed with four 5-inch/38 guns and sixteen torpedo tubes. Sources differ over whether the boilers worked at 565 or 600 psi, with the discussion favoring the 600 psi figure. Development tests and final operating figures can differ, so published machinery statistics depend on which stage they describe. Double-reduction turbines supported trial speeds near 38 knots, while range was about 5,400 nautical miles at 12 knots, probably because the ships carried less fuel. The class served on neutrality patrols, in Operation Torch, and through the Solomon Islands campaign. Four ships were lost. USS Sterett survived with twelve battle stars plus American and Philippine unit citations. Her record supports the argument that she should have been preserved. Four quadruple launchers gave a formidable torpedo attack but consumed weight needed for anti-aircraft guns and depth charges. Later designs reduced the torpedo battery and placed launchers on the centerline, trading part of the torpedo salvo for more air and submarine defence.
Chapter · 1:40:16-1:46:24
Benham exposed the tradeoff between torpedoes and screening weapons
The Benham class retained sixteen torpedo tubes and high-pressure machinery, but its limited range and crowded weapons fit pointed toward later destroyers with fewer torpedoes and stronger screening systems.