The Charles F. Adams class was the U.S. Navy's effort to field capable destroyers in volume as submarines, aircraft, and missiles all became more dangerous. These ships remained screeners for carriers, convoys, and other protected forces even as destroyers became much of the fleet's fighting backbone. The armament comparison includes Tartar or Standard SM-1 missiles and Harpoon, two 5-inch/54 guns, ASROC, and two triple Mark 32 torpedo launchers. By the 1960s, the destroyer was becoming a heavy generalist while cruisers increasingly occupied the heavy-specialist tier.
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Charles F. Adams destroyers balance the Cold War screen
The Charles F. Adams class combines missiles, guns, and ASW weapons in a heavy generalist for carrier groups and convoys.