Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:13:11-2:14:18

Helicopter destroyers as ASW group leaders

The proposed helicopter destroyers would lead frigate and Spruance-based anti-submarine groups that could operate independently or contribute to a carrier battle group.

Anti-Submarine WarfareCarrier Battle GroupsFrigatesSpruance Class DestroyersUS Navy
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Question

If the US Navy had built helicopter destroyers for anti-submarine groups, which ships would they lead?

Short answer

Frigates and Spruance-class destroyers, either in an independent ASW group or within a carrier battle group.

Notes

The anticipated escorts include frigates and Spruance-class destroyers. These could form an independent anti-submarine group or provide the ASW part of a carrier battle group. The described US organization combines an ASW squadron and an air-defence destroyer squadron with a carrier and its support ships. An amphibious task group could operate nearby with its own escorts.