Postwar destroyers absorbed disappearing cruiser roles

World War II histories often name the cruisers, battleships, and carriers in an operation while reducing their escorts to a count of destroyers. That supporting status changed as battleships and cruisers declined after the war. Destroyers inherited missions once performed by the disappearing larger combatants even while retaining their escort responsibilities. Guns, missiles, anti-submarine weapons, and land-attack systems therefore made the modern destroyer a costly generalist expected both to protect the force and to carry out its work. Earlier ships could bombard shore with guns already carried for surface combat or air defense. Dedicated land-attack missiles require their own space in a modern ship's VLS, adding a distinct demand to the weapons fit.