Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 37:07-39:12

Why build Robert H. Smith destroyer minelayers?

The Robert H. Smith class could carry eighty mines while retaining heavy destroyer gun armament, providing insurance against an unexpected need for defensive minelaying.

Force GenerationMinesweepingNaval Mine WarfareNaval MinelayingRobert H Smith Class Minelayers
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Question

Why did the US Navy need destroyer minelayers during World War II?

Short answer

They could rapidly lay defensive mines around forward positions if the strategic situation deteriorated, giving a growing fleet a contingency capability it would otherwise lack.

Notes

Robert H. Smith-class ships offered the ability to place eighty mines rapidly where they were needed. Defensive minelaying could secure forward positions if the fleet found itself unexpectedly on the defensive. Building enough destroyers allowed the Navy to provide this specialized capability as part of a more balanced force. The purpose was to prepare for an adverse development without assuming that the enemy would make predictable mistakes. The wartime account here describes no operational minelaying and instead emphasizes fast minesweeping work in dangerous approaches to protect the fleet.