USS Fletcher (DD-445)

## USS Fletcher

The Fletcher, as seen in game.

Fletcher is an American destroyer featured in the game. It can be obtained by buying it at the store.

## Background History

The Fletcher was laid down during October 2, 1941; was launched during May 3, 1942; and was commissioned during June 30, 1942.

During World War 2, the Fletcher partook several major battles, gaining 15 battle stars. After the war, it also saw action during the Korean War, gaining 5 battle stars during that conflict.

The Fletcher was sold for scrap during February 22, 1972.

## Overview

The Fletcher, like any other destroyer, is fast and agile. It can easily dodge fire and can also return fire very quickly due to its rapid main gun reload. Although the main guns do very little damage (that is compared to other type of warships, compared to DDs it's actually the best at this tier), the rate of fire is very impressive, which also increases the chance of causing a fire to burn on enemy ships. Its high AA damage also makes it effective at eliminating enemy aircraft carriers while also defending allies from hostile air attacks.

## Tactics

The fletcher is a huge improvement over the Z20 in terms of versatility and as an destroyer. while it is an early unlock ship it is not to be underestimated as it has torpedoes that can give even Mahan and Leningrad a run for their money. With decent artillery firepower and overall stats the only thing holding this destroyer back is it's below average HP. The best strategy with this destroyer from a high skill level perspective is to mount American or pirate flag to improve artillery firepower (and general stats) to a level equal to that of Leningrad's and get in close and launch torpedoes which when fully upgraded is capable of dealing up to ~210,000 damage which is only outdone by Shimakaze and Mahan. Canadian flag also works, turning Fletcher into a hit-and -run ship. Apart from these play-styles, you can opt to be a long range gunboat. For, this you can take up any flag that gives faster reload, good speed and then just be a Karl Galster 2.0 by raining down hell from a distance. You can go for a torpedo run if a enemy is ignorant enough to not notice you or doesn't respect your personal space.

### Playing as a Fletcher

The Fletcher is a rather straight forward ship, with easy to learn roles while also being a crucial member to the team. This is excellent for newcomers, as they can learn the skills needed to properly operate the higher tier destroyers from this ship.

As the battle starts, you should try to provide cover to your team, distracting the enemy and carefully maneouvering your ship to avoid getting hit (Every hit is going to hurt since you have very little HP, even among Dds). While they are busy, your teammates can attack without having to take in large amounts of damage.

Use your guns properly. Try using HE shells first, and after you've set a raging fire on the target, use your AP shells to get higher damage. Also, do not forget about your torpedoes. Launch them when the conditions are right. The enemy ships will have to chose wether they turn and risk broadsiding to your allies or not and end up getting hit by your powerful torpedoes instead.

### Playing along with a Fletcher

Just like any other destroyer, your ally Fletcher will provide cover to your team. As the enemy ships are distracted taking down the Fletcher, make good use of the chance and attack them. And also, avoid obstructing the path of the Fletcher's torpedoes to avoid them from being useless. They are one of the strongest torpedoes in the game, and if sent out by a skilled Fletcher, can wreck the biggest of behemoths.

### Playing against a Fletcher

The Fletcher is a rather tricky target. Fighting it at the distance is difficult due to its high mobility. Constantly raining down a constant flow of shells may have some effectivity, but it is advised to attack this ship at mid range; where shells have a much higher chance of hitting. Also, be warned of its torpedoes. If you get too close, it is likely that a majority of them will hit and wipe out most of your health if you're not careful.

## Advantages and Disadvantages

**Advantages**

* High main gun damage for a destroyer.
* Relatively fast main gun reload.
* Decent Anti Aircraft armament for a destroyer.
* Price of the ship is low.
* Equipped with the strongest torpedoes at low-tier.

**Disadvantages**

* Slow torpedo reload speed, compared to its counterparts.
* Lowest HP among all the DDs in the game.
* Just like the USS Melvin, sits quite high in the water, for a DD.

## Editor/Contributor's Opinion

1) **XercesDenial** :- " The true definition of a GLASS CANNON "

2) **Thathsilu898** :- " Outdone by Melvin "

## Trivia

* The Fletcher is named after Admiral Frank Friday Fletcher.
* The Fletcher class destroyers were one of the most successful destroyer classes during World War 2; and the United States Navy had commissioned a total of 175 Fletcher class destroyers between 1942 and 1944, more than any destroyer class.
* The crew had called her "The Fighting Fletcher," as well as "Lucky 13" and "Mother Fletcher."
	+ The "Lucky 13" nickname comes from a battle in which she emerged unscathed, and the number 13 is derived from the sum of her Hull Number.