The Spruance class arrived as worn wartime destroyers needed replacement and World War II cruisers were leaving service. Destroyers consequently had to carry more of the fleet's presence duties. Its less cluttered superstructure is judged to give a more imposing appearance than arrangements crowded by successive additions. Its weapons included Sea Sparrow, Harpoon, ASROC, and torpedoes, with a 61-cell Mark 41 vertical launching system for Tomahawk added later. Two helicopters and a towed array supported ASW, while the ship also supplied anti-surface capability and task-group screening. At roughly 8,000 tons full load, the larger hull provided room for computer systems and their maintenance. The hull form also supported the Kidd and Ticonderoga classes.
Chapter · 38:02-47:26
Spruance turns destroyer size into presence
Spruance's larger hull accommodates helicopters and digital combat systems as cruiser retirements increase the destroyer's presence duties.