Three quadruple centerline launchers let a Somers-class leader fire twelve torpedoes in its opening attack. The sixteen-torpedo fleet destroyers could fire eight from one side and retain eight for a turn away or another attack. Somers carried no reloads, so its twelve-torpedo salvo exhausted the battery. Its eight 5-inch/38 guns provided the firepower needed to help the destroyers reach their launch positions and continued the fight after the torpedoes had gone. The leader's role included drawing enemy fire during the approach.
Notable Point · 1:27:59-1:28:58
Somers concentrated twelve torpedoes in one salvo
Centerline launchers gave a Somers-class leader a twelve-torpedo opening salvo, while its heavy gun battery supported the destroyers making the attack.