Torpedo sniping migrated naturally toward submarines without making the surface destroyer redundant. Period submarines behaved more like mobile minefields: commanders sent them to patrol areas where an enemy might pass, but they generally could not chase a fast formation. Destroyers were far more responsive and could reposition with a fleet, concentrate for an attack, or answer a changing tactical situation. The comparison separates the submarine's area-denial role from the destroyer's mobile offensive and screening roles.
Notable Point · 1:13:12-1:14:09
Destroyers could chase targets that early submarines could not
Early submarines were effective torpedo ambushers but lacked the speed to pursue a fleet, while surface destroyers could react and maneuver with the action.