page_title: Mitscher-class destroyer
hierarchical_section_title: Mitscher-class destroyer
caption_attribution_description: English: The U.S. Navy destroyer leader ("frigate") USS Wilkinson (DL-5) underway in the late 1950s, following the installation of 7.6 cm/70 turrets in place of her original 7.6 cm/50 mounts.
context_page_description: The Mitscher-class destroyer was an experimental destroyer class of four ships that were built for the United States Navy shortly after World War II. Considerably larger than all previous destroyers, they would have been the first post-war destroyer class had they not been reclassified during construction as destroyer leaders. Commissioned in 1953-1954, two of the class served until 1969, and were scrapped in the 1970s. The other two were converted into guided missile destroyers, served until 1978, and were sold for scrap by 1980.
context_section_description: The Mitscher-class destroyer was an experimental destroyer class of four ships that were built for the United States Navy shortly after World War II.  Considerably larger than all previous destroyers, they would have been the first post-war destroyer class had they not been reclassified during construction as destroyer leaders (DL). Commissioned in 1953-1954, two of the class served until 1969, and were scrapped in the 1970s. The other two were converted into guided missile destroyers (DDG), served until 1978, and were sold for scrap by 1980.
caption: USS Wilkinson (DL-5) underway in late 1950s
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