Sumner FRAM II (1960)

In the sixties, the 1943-44 Allen M. Sumner class Destroyer started to be partly upgraded under the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization II. Albeit this refit was not as advanced as the FRAM I applied to most Gearing class ships, this allowed the Sumners to remain useful in the the Vietnam War, providing offshore gunfire support and escorts for carrier and amphibious groups. In the early 1970s, thirty-nine were sold to foreign navies and remaining sunk as targets scrapped. USS Laffey (DD-724) is now a a museum ship at Patriots Point in Charleston, South Carolina.

Make the Sumners still useful

USS Waldron (DD-699) underway at sea, 1964 (FRAM II)

Last chapter on our study of modernized WW2 destroyers in the cold war, to answer the problem of Soviet submarines and as a stopgap before more dedicated ASW Frigates entered service, the Fletchers, Sumners and Gearings all went through varied modernization levels, with the best known by far, largest in its cost and range, being the FRAM or “Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization” program, on par with the effort made on Gato-class submarines of WW2 that undereent the GUPPY program to stay relevant until the end of the cold war for those in service with some foreign navies.

The Sumner class destroyer, named after Captain Allen M. Sumner, Jr., USMC, decorated veteran of the Battle of Belleau Wood in WWI, was the lead vessel of a class of 58 destroyers, 55 being completed before the end of the war. In fact, they were the last US destroyers of WW2 to see significant service. Their near-sisters, the Gearing class, were completed in the dying days or postwar. Above all, the Allen M. Sumner class destroyers marked a true break with the rather excellent and mass-produced Fletcher class, an inheritance of interwar designs, just “stretched” for better performances and additional AA. The game changing feature was to go for three standard 5-in/38 twin turrets, and having extra space for AA. The hull was widened, machinery repeated, making for an interim class lacking “legs” (less range than the Fletchers). USS Barton (DD-772) was the commissioned in fact, on December 30, 1943 and they had twin rudders for better maneuverability.

Four were lost in action, USS Meredith (DD-726) by a mine on June 7, 1944 at Omaha Beach, USS Cooper (DD-695) on December 3, 1944 by the Japanese destroyer Take at Ormoc Bay, USS Mannert L. Abele (DD-733) by an Ohka (Baka) bomb at Okinawa and USS Drexler the same on May 28, 1945. They were still recent, a mostly untapped resource available for the Korean War, when many were esxhumed from their mothballs to bring offshore gunfire support. However technology was advancing fast, and they already started to look outdated, having less range also than their later half-sisters the Gearings. Thus, the idea of modernizations were expressed early on.

Development: The FRAM upgrades

Since very few of the Sumner class were still in completion when the war ended in September 1945, all already saw a significant service in WW2, albeit short. Postwar, many were mothballed, waiting for a decision, as maintaining active ships was costly and the cold war was not yet there. In 1948 however, a substantial number were still in active service, being considered more successful than the Fletcher class, and replacing in any case all the prewar designs, including the wartime Bensons/Gleaves, last prewar design to see significant service also in Korea, and many ending under other flags, just were many of the Fletchers under MDAP.

Both the Gearings and Sumners had now the status as main first line destroyers of the USN, replacing what remained of the WWI legacy “four pipers” still around, and all classes from the Farraguts to the Gleaves. With the war in Korea, more were extracted from the mothballed and feverishly prepared for a still possible degradation into WW III. Thus, all ships in class spent the 1950s active, but also the 1960s as they underwent a signifivant cold war program called FRAM (Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization). It went way more in depht compared to the Fletcher DDE conversions, and in all cases, was a full rebuilding, giving them another fifteen years at least of useful service. The main driving force behind the program was the need to increase the numbers of hulls at sea to face the new potential war with USSR and the “russian subs scare”.

The Soviet Sub Scare

USS Bryce Canyon as AD-36 with other such converted Sumners at Terminal Island in 1962.
The Navy in the 1950s knew Soviet scientists and engineers recuperated a wealth of data and complete Type XXI and XXIII German new generation submarines, and were setting ambitious mass production plans. Admiral Arleigh Burke as a response to estimates that the Soviet Navy would have a force of about 300 modern fast-attack submarines pressed this progral by 1957. The Project 613 (NATO “Whiskey”) in particular was a headache which motivated a three prone response: Brand new classes of Frigates and Destroyers as well as modernizing WW2 destroyers and destroyer escorts to face the challenge.

Scan by Ed Zajkowski of the original BuShip blueprint proposal of the DD 692 class, long hull.

Concerning the program applied to the Sumner and Gearing, it was relatively similar in scope but different in nature and finality: The ships were to be transformed into dedicated, pure submarine hunters in place of their former WW2 multirole tasking. The first attempt was a hunter killer conversion proposal by BuShip as early as August 1947. This was well before the idea of a FRAM and quite ambitious still. It shows a modern 3-in/70 twin mount fore and aft, and a pair of Mark 108 Rocket Launchers in front of the bridge forward, as well as one aft in “X” position and a Hedegehog apparently on the aft deck. More plans.

It was rejected as too costly, but BuShips made other proposals along the years: In 1950 a Variable Depth Sonar Installation, in 1951 the Grebe Missile System (XSUM-N-2) Installation (see later), in late March 1951 a Ship Stabilizer, in September a DM23 counter keel and stabilizer Conversion, and in August 1954 an Air defence Station. The XSUM-N-2 “Grebe” was one of these sci-fi weapons developed in the 1950s, part of the Kingfisher family of guided anti-ship and anti-submarine missiles developed under the National Bureau of Standards (NBS). From September 1947 the program was known as the SUM-2, then SUM-N-2 from 1948 Grebe. This was a ship-launched missile, distant ancestor of the ASROC as it carried a MK 41 torpedo with a planned pulsejet, launched towards a sonar-detected target, and starteing a homing from a preset distance. It was planned to deal with the latest Soviet deep-diving submarines. Twenty prototypes were built, tested in 1950 but the program was terminated due to insufficient range from sonars of the day among others.

The Sumners were not upgraded, or in a very limited way, due to being placed in reserve or mothballs. In the last days of 1945 their eleven Oerlikon 20 mm AA guns had bee removed as well as one torpedo tube bank making room for an extra quad 40mm/56 Bofors Mk 1.2 mount and the Oerlikon were now twins 20mm/70 Mk 4. But by 1946 the norm was three quad Bofors 40mm/60 Mk 2, two twin 40mm/60 Mk 1, ten twin 20mm/70 Mk 24, a single quintupke TT banks as well as six DC throwers and two racks. Sensors were upgraded when possible from the original. Some had been modified as minelayers as well in 1944, DM23-34, twelve destroyers being given mine rails for 120 mines on the quarter deck. In compensation, 100 tonnes of top weight were saved, by removing both TT banks, three Oerlikons aft, two to six DCTs. However they remained very unstable with their full mine stowage and they were never used on that direct assignment.

The FRAM reboot (1958)

In 1959, the Navy knew it had a pool of 53 Sumners still available for conversions, albeit a limited budget. Being less useful than the Gearings, it was decided to apply the “austere” conversion. The US Navy to make its decision decided to convert a first prototype, USS John W. Thomason (DD 760). It was made into a DASH destroyer by March 1959, adding an after-deck landing area and DASH Hangar. At the poop was installed a variable Depth Sonar and two banks of the new triple-torpedo tube launchers as well as improvements in living and working dpaces. The 21 inch torpedo tubes were removed as well as the AA but the main twin guns kept.

After conversion, USS John W. Thomason made extensive trials. She even took the lead as flagship of Destroyer division 72 from March 1961. It was concluded however that her main hull sonar had to be updated to detect anything useful for its DASH. DASH had a 22.5 mile range and the existing sonar fell way short of this: The baseline QGA sonar in recorder mode were 1,500 and 3,750 yards (1370-3500 m). In manual search mode 3,000 and 5,000 yards (2700-4570m). The ships were upgraded to the SQS-4 sonar was a 8-14 Khz system depending on the mods, later renamed SQS-29 to 32.
John W. Thomason entered Long Beach in September 1961 to replace its SQS-4 sonar for the new SQS-23 sonar, completed in July 1962, back to the 1st fleet, far east (see later).

The Sumners received the FRAM II modernization only, with some Gearings and even Fletchers also received this “austere” upgrade. Indeed FRAM I centerpiece was the new ASROC system an better sonar systems. The rear deck was converted as a flight deck for the DASH, but on the long run, this early drone proved unreliable in service, with the aft turret removed, an new 12.75-inch triple torpedo tubes were later placed amidships when available. The lack of ASROC and failure of DASH means the Sumner FRAM lacked a proper long range ASW capability. However they retained all three 5-inch/38 twin mounts and an anti-ship capability by installing the new 21-inch torpedo tubes for the Mark 37 ASW homing torpedo, as well as a decent, and upgraded variable depth sonar (VDS). Initially the whole program was intended for just five more years of service.

A total of 95 Gearings and 33 Allen M. Sumners received FRAM upgrades from 1960 to 1965, seeing servive in Vietnam but the ASROC-less Allen M. Sumners were decommissioned sooner in 1970–1973 or transferred as is to foreign navies (see later). The Gearings survived a bit longer, but were replaced gradually by the new Knox-class frigates as the new Spruance-class destroyers, far more capable. The cost per ship was $ 4,500,000. Total cost was $ 148,500,000 for the 33 ships that were upgraded rather than rebuilt like the Gearings. and therefore extend these ships lives by approximately 5 years.

Ships in class

Ships delivered: 58

USS Allen M. Sumner, Moale, Ingraham, Cooper, English, Charles S. Sperry, Ault, Waldron, Haynsworth, John W. Weeks, Hank, Wallace L. Lind, Borie, Compton, Gainard, Soley, Harlan R. Dickson, Hugh Purvis, Barton, Walke, Laffey, O’Brien, Meredith, De Haven, Mansfield, Lyman K. Swenson, Collett, Maddox, Hyman, Mannert L. Abele, Purdy, Robert H. Smith, Thomas E. Fraser, Shannon, Harry F. Bauer, Adams, Tolman, Drexler, Blue, Brush, Taussig, Samuel N. Moore, Harry E. Hubbard, Henry A. Wiley, Shea, J. William Ditter, Alfred A. Cunningham, John R. Pierce, Frank E. Evans, John A. Bole, Beatty, Putnam, Strong, Lofberg, John W. Thomason, Buck, Henley, Lowry, Lindsey, Gwin, Aaron Ward, Hugh W. Hadley, Willard Keith, James C. Owens, Zellars, Massey, Douglas H. Fox, Stormes, Robert K. Huntington, Bristol.

Ships converted FRAM II: 33

Allen M. Sumner, Moale, Ingraham, Charles S. Sperry, Ault, Waldron, Wallace L. Lind, Borie, Hugh Purvis, Walke, Laffey, O’Brien, De Haven, Mansfield, Lyman K. Swenson, Collett, Blue, Taussig, Alfred A. Cunningham, Frank E. Evans, John A. Bole, Putnam, Strong, Lofberg, John W. Thomason, Buck, Lowry, James C. Owens, Zellars, Massey, Douglas H. Fox, Stormes, Robert K. Huntington.

That conversion took place at Boston (2), Charleston (4), Long Beach (7), Mare Island (3), New York (1), San Francisco (4) but mostly at Norfolk (12). It was performed first on John W. Thomason at Long Beach, completed on January 1960. It went on in 1961-63, a process that took six to seven months for a shipyard to complete. The last completed was USS Putnam (DD 757), also the only one converted at New York naval Yard and only one that year.

Design of the class

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Hull and general design

Post FRAM specifications were the following: 2,200 tons standard and 3,315 tons full load (3,515 in other sources), albeit the hull remained the same in size. In theoruy they ended a bit lighter than the WW2 consiguration, having the two sets of Torpedo Tubes, depht charge launchers and racks aft and a generous supply of Bofors and 20 mm AA guns. All this was gone. The FRAM destroyers were pur ASW hunters, not intended to take part in AA defence. That was the job of their still potent main guns and other ships in a task force, notably the new DDGs.

In dimensions, they were divergences: If all measured 369 ft (112 m) at the waterline, 376 ft 6 in (114.76 m) overall, a few were shorter at 376 ft (115 m) overall (DD 725–728 & 730–734). In beam, they diverged as well, with the norm fixed at 41 ft (12.5 m), 40 ft (12 m) for DD 692–709, 40 ft 9 in (12.42 m) for DD 744 and 41 ft 3 in (12.57 m) for DD 770–776. In Draft, normal load was 15 ft 9 in (4.80 m), 19 ft (5.8 m) on full load with 18 ft 9 in (5.72 m) for DD 735-40 & 749–751 & 771–773.

The final design, as seen above, had the Sumners had a new enclosed, wedge-style bridge, no open bridge above, and a more blockier bridge structure overall, supporting a new, more sturdt tripod mast with a platform for better, heavier sensors. No changes to the funne, but the two triple 324 mm were located between them. The greatets change was aft of the second funnel, where the blocky structure dedicated to the DASH system was built. It was composed of a hangar for the helicopter, on top of which was installed a small solid aft mast, and in place of the quarterdeck structure was now an helipad for the DASH drone. The last change was at the poop, with the installation of the VDS and its apparatus. As for the crew, the Sumners FRAM complement was reduced compared to WW2, to 274 (14 officers, 260 enlisted men) but they still had accommodations for 322 (22 Officers and 300 enlisted men), notably when acting as flotilla flagships.

Powerplant

USS Intrepid CVS-11 refuelling USS Borie in Feb. 1966. Sumners were more short legged than the Gearings

It remained unchanged, and it is not even sure it had a full overhaul in their FRAM upgrade, meaning all turbine blade elements removed and checked, repaires or replaced, boilers clearn up and scrapped anew, piping replace, ect. In any case, no change was made to the 1940s powerplant, essentialy the same as the earlier Fletcher class, going back to the previous Benson/Gleaves with some changes: The two shafts with three-bladed fixed-pitch propellers were driven by two General Electric or Westinghouse geared steam turbines.

The latter were coupled to two DeLaval locked-train double reduction gears to drive the shafts at 350 RPM. They were fed by four Babcock & Wilcox or Foster Wheeler boilers working at 565 PSI and 850 degree Farenheit, for a total output of 60,000 shp (45 MW) total. They had two rudders as seen above for extra agility, further helped by a more favourable hull ration.

Top speed when completed in service was 34 knots (63 km/h; 39 mph), but likely they were not intended to go that fast in 1960 to spare the now worn out machinery, and because of the sensitivity of sonar systems of the time, imposing lower speeds in hunting mode. In 1960 at full load top speed was reduced to 32 knots.

The main criticicsm of this class compared to the Fletchers had been their range: Based on 503 tons oil fuel (except DD 692–709 500 tons, DD 735–740 515 tons). This was equivalent of 3,293 barrels NSFO and 167 barrels of Diesel Oil. This was for 6,000 nautical miles (11,000 km; 6,900 mi) at 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph). The whole idea of the Gearing class was to improve on this by adding an extra section amidship and rise this fuel oil bunkerage. Other sources points out at 6,500 miles at 15 knots light and 3,600 miles at 15 knots at 3,315 tons full load.

Protection

Apart the gunhouses for the 5-in/38 main guns which in Mod 0 received 0.125 in (0.32 cm) of armour against light shrapnel, the ships were not armoured. However they were heavily compartmented below the waterline, with full separation between the turbines sets and between the boilers, with thick bulkheads between them, as well as at the bow and stern. This was a proven system, enabling many destroyers to survive torpedo hits in WW2. There was also a full set of fire protection systems in the machinery space and several posts across the ship, from hand-held fire extinguishers (that were upgraded in 1960 to the new Halon types) to the classic pump and hose. Even if this was 1960 the FRAM II Sumner were not protected NBC (nuclear biological chemical).

Armament

Apart the main guns and its WW2 fire direction system, even radar-assisted, all the rest was changed. The Sumner FRAM came out in their final version with a full ASW package: No depht charges, but instead six homing torpedo tubes, with two MK 32 Triple Torpedo mounts between funnels. They fired the Mark 44 acoustic torpedo. There were also two Mark-10, 7.2 inches HEDGEHOG Projectors, 24 each, with contact fuses, located on deckhouse abreast Bridge front. Some, for a longer reach had two fixed single 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes for the Mark 37 torpedoes. And for the long range, served by the hull sonar and VDS, they had the DASH drone.

Mark 12 5-in/38 twin Turrets

Above: General ONI file, Mark 38 mount. Not the clearance circle for the case ejection port hatches aft. Below: Top scheme showing the disposition of the crew inside a Mark 38 or similar twin mount (from navweaps).

⚙ specifications Mark 12 gun

Twin Mount Weight (Mk.38 mod0) 95,700 lbs. (43,409 kg)
Shell: 20 × 110 mm RB. HE 123 g (4.3 oz), HE/T: 116 g (4.1 oz)
Muzzle velocity 820 m/s (2,700 ft/s)
Rate of fire Max 450, Practical 250-320, cyclic 900 rpm
Range Effective 914 m (1,000 yd), max 45° 4,389 m (4,800 yd)
Elevation -15/+85 degrees (30° train, 15° elevat./sec.)
Protection Mod 0: 0.125 in (0.32 cm)
Crew: 9

12.75 inches Mark 32 ASW TTs

The 324 mm Mark 32 Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes are ASW triple torpedo launchers installed forward amidship on the upper deck. Developed in the early 1960 they were installed at completion. The entire launcher weights 2,230 lb (1,010 kg) in fiberglass-metal, enabling an installation practically anywhere, added to its compact size. It was able to fire at first the 12.75-inch (324 mm) Mark 44. In later upgrades the Mark 46, 50 or 54 could be fitted. The Mark 44 is the “universal” cold war acoustic ASW torpedo. It was designed to be airbone as well as shipborne. Weighting 432 pounds (196 kg) for just 8.2 feet (2.5 m) and a diameter of 12.75 inches (32.4 cm) it had a 123 metres per second (400 ft/s) initial velocity, with electric drive 30 hp (22 kW) up to 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph).

⚙ specifications Mark 44 Torpedo

The Mark 44 carries a Mk 101 Mod 0, HBX-3 75 pounds (34 kg) warhead with a Mk 19 type Mod 12 contact exploder. It is an active guidance model using Helix search from 123 metres (135 yd) to 3.4 miles (5.5 km) and down to 1,000 yards (910 m) mas depth.

About 10,500 has been made for the U.S. Navy alone, with a production starting in 1957 and spanning until 1967. Designed by Naval Ordnance Test Station Pasadena (GE), it weighted 432 pounds (196 kg) for 8.2 feet (2.5 m) by 12.75 inches (32.4 cm). Projected at 400 ft/s its payload was a Mk 101 Mod 0, HBX-3 75 pounds (34 kg) torpex charge, explosing on contact. Operating depht was 1,000 yards (910 m), at a speed of 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph), thanks to a 30 hp (22 kW) eletric engine and operational range of 3.4 miles (5.5 km). The Helix was a vacuum tube-based guidance system with a range of settings, driving the active sonar. The torpedo searched a target until exhausting its 6-min endurance. The Mark 44 was replaced in the 1970s for those still in service by the Mark 46.

Mark 23 ASW 21-in Torpedo tubes

The Mk.23 torpedo tubes were a common new generation ASW torpedoes in service, called in naval nomenclature Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes (Mk 32 SVTT). They were tailored to fire relatively small homing torpedoes of the 12.75-inch (324 mm) caliber but the base 533 mm tubes had cradles to fire these in order to swap back to standard 21-inches A/S toropedoes if needed. These torpedoes were modernized in successive lines, the Mark 44, 46, 50 and 54. They were light enough to be manned by the crew without the intervention of a crane or pulleys. This universal standard used by other navies of NATO also allowed the use of Australian MU90 Impact models and British Sting Ray torpedoes.

DASH Drone

The Gyrodyne QH-50 DASH (Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter) was one of the first recorded naval drones. By eliminating the human factor, it was possible to design a much smaller craft, available to be used on smaller USN ships, such as frigates and patrol boats. It was not tasked of the same duties as regular helicopters, usually performing SAR missions much often than ASW hunting or communication relay for OTH missile guidance. The system was created to boost ASW capabilities of existing ships -new and converted- at a time the Soviet Navy was building submarines faster than the USN could build ASW frigates.

Tests began in the late 1950s already and the first operational model was introduced in 1962. The intermediate, and most current model Mark II was propelled by a pair of Porsche YO-95-6 engines and carried a single Mk 43 homing torpedo. It used a contrarotary drive to stay compact. The idea came from the attempted USMC scouting RON Rotorcycle. But in the end the DASH was considered expendable and used extensively cheap off-the-shelf industrial electronics with no back-ups and multi-channel analog FM. In action, the attrition rate was enormous, with 80% losses due to system failures and malfunctions. So much so that the whole program was scrapped in 1969, when the USN was focused on Vietnam and ASW was no longer a priority, at least officially.

Sensors

SPS-6 radar (1948)

2D radar manufactured by Bendix and Westinghouse, 1st-generation air-search radar after WW2, widely exported to allies. The improved AN/SPS-12 was its main derivative types developed in other countries. Under the Joint Electronics Type Designation System (JETDS) its designation represents the 6th design of an Army-Navy electronic device for a surface search radar. This is a L-Band 1.25–1.35 GHz(24.0–22.2 cm) with a range of 70–140 nmi (81–161 mi; 130–260 km) and peak power of 500 kW.

SPS-10/40 radars (1953)

The 1953 the “Sugar George” was the common Surface Search radar still deployed, until replaced by the SPS-10 featuring a high resolution lightweight unit. This was a 10.25 x 2.75 ft (3.12 m x 0.8 m) mesh parabolic reflector, with two dipoles. It was capable of IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) in the feedhorn system. It could pick up a periscope at 16,000 yards. It remained acctive on all ships until late in their career.

SPS 40 radar

The same FRAM II overhaul saw SPS-6 Air Search radars upgraded to the SPS-40, featuring a 10.5 x 3.5 foot (3.12 x 1 m) parabolic reflector with IFF system installed. It could detect targets above 200 nautical miles (370 km) altitudes up to 50,000 feet (15,240 m). They remained active until decommissioning.

Mk 25 radar

Operating in the X band, this is an automatic tracking fire-control radar equipment coupled with the above bridge Gun Director Mark 37 to control the main caliber. Provides data in train, elevation and range of targets. Stayed relevant until the end of their career. It is a paraboloid reflector type of 62 inch with vertical polarization. frequency: 8500 to 9000 MHz. PRF 2000 Hz, pulsewidth 0.2 µs, peak power 50 kW, range 24 NM (45 km -resolution 36 m), beamwidth 1.3°.

SQS-4 VDS (FRAM)

Long-range active/passive, search and attack sonar. First major long-range sonar designed after World War II, basis for later USN sonars with an operating frequency of 14 KHz, with selectable pulse lengths of 6, 30, or 80 milliseconds with corresponding power outputs of 50, 30, and 10 kW. Range up to 15,000 yards (13,716 m). Used in a vertical dipping configuration it remained more useful than directly in the hull.

SQG-1 sonar (FRAM)

This set is an attack sonar, working with the SQS-4. It provided the UBFC system with accurate target angles relative to bearing and depression, well used for the hedgehogs and Weapon Alpha. Visual indicators shows the figures to appy and a searchlight type transducers maintains contact with the target when computer assisted, with tracking and stabilizing equipment. Used both on the DDE and FRAM. Replacing the CKLP in the Navy. 440v, 3 phades, 60 cycles. FRQ 45-55 Kcycles, operating FRQ 45, 47.5, 50, 52.5, 55 Kc. Output 10 Kw at 5 microseconds pulse widths, emission CW (AO.1), pulse lenghts 5, 12, 36 and 60 microseconds. 1

VDS/SQA-8, SQA-10 sonar

The winter of 1962 saw the ships received their VDS (Variable Depth Sonar), designed to detect targets evading detection by using thermal layers. This was a modified version of the SQS-4 called SQS-31 or SQS-32 with a cable 600 feet long, and speed was controlled for its optimized depth from a station.

Active Protection

Electronic Warfare was divided between ESM (Support) and ECM (Counter) Measures, deployed already in 1944 on these ships with SPR-1 and SPR-2 ESM. However FRAM II included lilely the new 1960 WLR-1 ESM System. It was contained by outboard “black derby” antenna pots (NT66131 and NT66132 ECM antennae) as well as AS-570/SLR ECM antenna.

WLR-1:

Early ECM system, for countermeasures, passive, to receive electromagnetic radiatons in the frequency range of 50 mc to 10,750 mc. The receiver is a high-sensitivity superheterodyne capable of distinguishing between close spaced signals, and the FRQ range is covered by 9 RF converter tuners overlapping in frequency coverage. More.

ULQ-6 ECM suite:

Deception repeater deployed on destroyers or frigates, in combination with the AN/WLR-1 receiver and later replaced by the AN/SLQ-32 (V)3. Still used for long on the Canadia IROQUOIS class guided-missile destroyer as well. More data to come.

Mk 28 decoy RL:

Early type or decoy launcher, distant ancestor of the Mark 36 SRBOC. This target flare is used to provide an infrared source on the missile target to enhance survivability of the target during missile firings.

⚙ specifications
Displacement	2,220 tons standard, 3,600+ tons full load
Dimensions	376 ft 6 in x 41 ft x 19 ft FL (114.76 x 12.5 x 4.80 m)
Propulsion	2 shafts GE turbines, 4 boilers 60,000 shp (45 MW)
Speed	34 knots (63 km/h; 39 mph)
Range	503-515t fuel oil, 6,000 nm (11,000 km; 6,900 mi) at 15 knots
Armament	3×2 5 in/38, 2×3 Mark 32 324mm TTs, 2× 21-in TTs
Sensors	Mk37 GFCS, SC radar, hull sonar +Variable Depth Sonar
Air Group	Gyrodyne Helicopter Facilities (DASH not always installed)
Crew	270-360

Sumner Exports

Albeit considered obsolete even after their “austere” modernization, the 33 Sumners still around were placed on the international market, 29 sold with some help from the MDAP program that was still running at the time, to allies and friendly nations. These were per fleet the following: 12 to the Republic of China Navy, 2 to the Republic of Korea Navy, 2 to Iran, 1 to Turkey and another to Greece. Close to home, 2 to Venezuela, 2 to Colombia, 2 to Chile, 5 to Brazil, 4 to Argentina. They served well into the late 1980s for many.

ARA Hipolito Bouchard (acquired in 1972) – credits navsource.org
Four more modern, and modernized destroyers were acquired by Argentina in the 1970s from the US, of the modernized FRAM II Allen M. Sumner type. Former USS Hawk, Borie, Collett and Mansfield they became D25, 26, 29 and D31 Segui (1/7/1972), Bouchard (same), Piedra Buena (april 1974) and Espra (June 1974). Hipolito Bouchard, the first one, was just refitted preior transfer with a VDS and helicopter platform and Piedra Buena purchased for spares but activated fully in 1977, as Mansfield. In 1977-78 they were all fitted with MM38 Exocet SSM canisters, four of them. Bouchard and Piedra screened the Belgrano in 1982 and were caught off guard by the submarine attack. They chased down HMS Conqueror and made ASW grenade passes, but failed to hit her.

It was discovered later that Bouchard took a torpedo hit, the third Mk48** launched on Belgrano, but it failed to detonate. Espora was decommissioned in 1978 already, the three others followed in 1983-84. As a complementary note, a single Gearing class was acquired, ARA Comodoro Py in 1973. She was the ex-USS Perkins, and had been modernized as a FRAM II. In 1977-78 like the others she was fitted with four MM38 SSMs. She also had a SPS-40, SPQS-6 radars and SWS-23 sonar. She escorted the carrier during the Falkland war and was decommissioned in 1983.

The Hellenic navy acquired the single ex-USS Ingraham of the Allen M Sumner class in July 1971, renamed D 211 Miaoulis. She had received a FRAM II modernization and had an Aerospatiale Alouette III helicopter hoperating from her DASH platform. She was taken in hands in 1986 at the Eleusis shipyard for modernization, with a larger platform, and telecopic hangar for a AB-212 helicopter. These destroyers were retired when the new four Charles F. Adams class arrived, in 1992-94.

They were aquired in 1969-74 as well as USS Lyman K. Swenson DD-729, USS John A. Bole DD-755, USS Lofberg DD-759 for spare parts (never commissioned). These ex-USN Sumner class units had been modified m the 1950s with 76mm guns, ASW TTs, and improved sensors. Lo Yang and Nan Yang were converted to FRAM II configuration in September 1962 and January 1961 respectively, giving improved ASW capability. They had been equipped with Hughes 500 ASW helicopters small enough to use the existing DASH ASW drone helicopter landing pad and hangar. In 1985, they were further modified with 1-76mm OTO Melara replacing “B” turret, and five Hsiung Feng I SSM in a triple arrangement replacing “X” 127mm turret, two being placed on after superstructure, and a quadruple Sea Chaparral SAM launcher right aft. Their hull-mounted sonar in 1995 was a Krupp Adas DSQS-21CZ. Radars were the SPS-58A and SPS-29. The other six ships were transferred with the weapons and equipment below:

Huey Yang had “B” 5-in turret later replaced by a 76mm OTO Melara and fitted with five Hsiung Feng I SSM and a Sea Chaparral SAM, but retained her after turret as the SAM launcher was mounted atop the aft superstructure. The remaining five ships all received the “Tien Shi” modernisation programme with two triple IAI Gabriel and later Hstung Feng I SSM were mounted, plus Sea Chaparral aft, replacing the 76mm OTO and after 5-in turret. They also retained their Hedgehog Mk 2, had two triple 324mm Mk 32 ASW TT and DCs. Sensors comprised the ECM WLR-1, 4 chaff RL, Radar SPS-10, SPS-6C, Mk 25 and Sonar SQS-29.

In 1973 were acquired two modernized Allen M Sumner class destroyers, ex-Wallace L. Lind and De Haven, built in 1944 and both transferred in December 1973. They had been thoroughy modernized in the 1960s FRAM II standard, and were armed with three twin 127/38 Mk 38, two triple 324 ASW TT, two 24-rubes 178 Hedgehog Mk 11 ASWRL, one DCR and carried and electronic suite comprising the radars SPS-10, SPS-40, Mk 25 radars, SQS-29, SQA-10/29 sonars, WLR-1 ECM suite and two decoy RL.

They also had a small flight deck for a DASH and later LAMPS III helicopter. Both renamed Dae Gu and In Cheon were leased and purchased in 1977. Modernization included in 1976 a triple 20/76 Sea Vulcan, in 1978 and Alouette III helicopter plus revised hangar and flight deck and the next year two twin Harpoon SSM (4 RGM-84) canisters and in the early 1980s two twin 40 mm/60 Mk 1 AA guns. Incheon (DD918) was stricken in 1993 but DaeGu was still in operations in the 1990s, stricken in 2000.

Ministro Zenteno in 1986 (Navsource)

As part of the 1974-75 modernization plan of the Chilean Navy, two more ex-US destroyers were purchased, this time FRAM II standard Allen M. Sumner class destroyers: Ministro Zenteno (ex-Charles S. Sperry) stricken 1990 and Ministro Portales (ex-Douglas H. Fox) same. As delivered they had three twin 5-in/38 Mk 38 guns, two 20mm/70 Mk 10, two triple 324mm Mk 32 TT Mk 44, 2x 24/178 Hedgehog Mk 11 ASWRL, but they operated a Chilean Alouette III. Electronics consisted of the SPS-29, SPS-10, Mk.25 radars, SQS-40 sonar with towed array, WLR-1 ECM suite.

ARC Santander DD-03 underway 1974

Ex-US ALLEN M SUMNER class destroyers: Class: CALDAS D002 (ex-Willard Keith) built at Bethlehem, San Pedro, acquired 1.7.72 (Discarded 1977) and SANTANDER D003 (exWaldron) from Federal, Kearny acquired 30.10.73, Discarded 1986. They received the FRAM II modernization prior to transfer and were very capable ships.

Allen M. Sumner class destroyers equipped with twin turrets and much larger. These were the ex USS Compton, James Mc. Owens, Bucks, Strong, and lowry respectively. They all received FRAM II modernization before transfer in 1972-73 but USS Mato Grosso. The latter instead received a quad short range Seacat SAM coupled with the Mk20 optical director. Sergipe and Saonto had a VDS sonar coupled with the standard SQS-29/32 sonar. Typical armament was therefore: Three triple 5-in (127mm)/38 Mk 38, two triple 324 Mk 32 TT banks, two 24-tubes Hedgehog ASWRL, one helicopter Westland Wasp. The radar suite comprised the SPS-10, SPS-29, Mk 25 radars, SQS-44 sonar, WLR-1, ULQ-6 ECM suites for the last, DD 38 Espiritu Santo and relatively simolar for the others. Still active in the 1990s, stricken 1990-96.

Ex Allen M Sumner ships, modernized with without ASW equipment. They received new radars and armament in 1981-83: SPS-40 and a twin 76 mm automatic cannon. Mines rails were kept, able to deploy 80 mines. TGC Muavenet was badly damaged on 2 october 1992 during exercises with NATO by a sea sparrow that was launched from USS Saratoga by error. She was not repaired but discarded instead in 1993 and her sister ship Zafer in 1994. The latter has a FRAM II modernization and was transferred in 1971 fitted wit two twin 40 mm bofors and a twin 35 mm Oerlikon in 1979.

USS Beatty DD-756, sold to Venezuela 14 July 1972 as Carabobo. Stricken 1981 and scrapped in 1981.

Note: To see the ww2 career and pre-FRAM career of these ships, see the WW2 article.

USS Allen M. Sumner was the lead vessel of the class, the first launched, but completed later than Ingraham. She started her major overhaul/modernization in 1961, FRAM, until 2 January 1962 and back to east coast operations and Mediterranean, 6th Fleet duties. She took part in Kennedy’s “quarantine” of Cuba by October 1962. She trained with the Fleet Sonar School in 1963-1964. She watched over developments in he Dominican Republic, making also several Mediterranean TODs and watched over the Gemini 10 space mission return. By February 1967 she started her first Vietnam combat mission, screeing USS Long Beach in the gulf of Tonkin among others, Operation Seadragon, screened USS Hancock and the Australian guided missile destroyer HMAS Hobart, Operation Beau Charger, Yankee Station and “Seadragon”. She visited Kaohsiung and Hong Kong and made two more tours in Vietnam. Post-Vietnam years were back on the east coast and NATO exercises, and final Mediterranean deployment on 27 August 1970. A Naval Reserve training ship until 15 August 1973 she was decommissioned at Philadelphia, sold for BU 16 October 1974.

From 1954 to 1969 USS Moale was involved in Atlantic operations, including the North Sea and Caribbean, rotating with the 6th fleet in the Mediterranean. She was converted in between as a FRAM II (1961). She was for example deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean for the Suez Crisis of 1956. She was a recovery ship for the Mercury 7 mission (led by Scott Carpenter) in May 1962. She took part in the blockade of the Cuban Missile Crisis in October–November 1962. She was in standby duty, for the evacuation of US nationals from Cyprus, in 1964. She won the 1967 ASW trophy for the Atlantic Fleet and the Battle Efficiency “E” Award for DesRon 10. She ended in the Reserve Destroyer Squadron 302, Brooklyn Naval Yard and was decommissioned on 2 July 1973.

During 1960, USS Ingraham was involved in operations out of Mayport. She started operations with the 6th Fleet by late September 1960 and was back off Mayport in March 1961 before her FRAM II-overhaul at Portsmouth. Homeported to Newport in Rhode Island from 23 February 1962 she returned in Atlantic and Caribbean operations and by September-October 1962 took part in the Mercury Program “Sigma 7” and was recalled for the 1962 blockade of Cuba. On 1 October 1963 she was deployed in the Mediterranean. She rotated between there and the Atlantic until 29 September 1965. On 29 September 1965 she was transferred to the Western Pacific, seeing action in Vietnam from 31 October 1965, arriving at her new FONS Yokosuka. She was sent to the South China Sea, screened USS Ticonderoga, and fire support missions. From 12 November 1965 she was sent up the Saigon River shelling an supply base. On 13 November 1965 she destoryed a Viet Cong assembly. By December 1965 she patrolled for Soviet submarine close to the Gulf of Tonkin. From 1 January 1966 to 24 January she operated with TF 77 off Vietnam and returned to Newport on 4 February 1966 via Suez. From 8 April she had a refit and training and in June took part in Operation Beachtime, a landing exercises. On 28 November 1966 she returned to the Mediterranean. By late 1969 she screened USS Yorktown for her farewell tour and hersself made one of European ports, Mediterranean from latt 1970 to early 1971, then decommissioned on 15 June 1971, sold to Greece on 16 July 1971.

Late 1959, Sperry was selected for an extensive overhaul as prototype FRAM II, mosstly intended to be a platform for DASH. After completion she trained on the east coast from HP Newport RI. The summer of 1968 saw her in the Caribbean and San Juan, Puerto Rico as USN representative for the local national holiday. On 8 January 1974 she was decommissioned from US service, sold and transferred to Chile, renamed Ministro Zenteno (D-16). She had many more years of service until being scrapped in 1990.

In June 1962, USS Ault entered Boston NyD for her FRAM II overhaul, completed by February 1963. She then trained extensively, with many training cruises and a midshipmen cruise in the summer, then service in Norfolk. She was back to the Mediterranean in February 1964 with DesDiv 142 and took part in NATO exercises to the Mediterranean. She was sent to NS Mayport. By January 1965 she was in Operation Springboard (Caribbean) with shore bombardment on Culebra Island. The warship also trained in Hunter-Killer operations in March and was on station in the western Atlantic for the Gemini 3 space shot.
On 17 March she was deployed in the Mediterranean. She later won the DesRon 14 Battle Efficiency award, and Battle “E” for two departments. She took part in Operation “Springboard” in Jan-Feb. 1966 for ASW operations and shore bombardment including a full power run with gunnery exercises. She was in plane guard duty, USS Intrepid. She was then overhauled ay Charleston from 12 April to 14 September.

From January 1965, she started her first Vietnam deployment, back in Mayport on 7 October 1966, then deployed to DesDiv 161, via Pearl Harbor and Yokosuka, and integrated the 7th Fleet on 11 March. After training at Subic Bay, she joined USS Ticonderoga in the Gulf of Tonkin and from 16 April, with TU 77.1.1, Operation Sea Dragon in North Vietnam, from Cap Lay north to Thanh Hóa.
Relieved on 30 April she was back to Subic Bay. On 7 May she was deployed in South Vietnam for gunfire support from the mouth of the Mekong to Vũng Tàu and Hàm Tân. From 28 May to 2 June she was again in gunfire support in the I Corps area. She had upkeep at Kaohsiung (Taiwan) and R&R at Sasebo. On 19 June she returned to I Corps, South Vietnam shelling Quảng Ngãi and Chu Lai with a short upkeep at Hong Kong and Subic Bay and back for Operation Seadragon, dealing with coastal defense batteries north of Đồng Hới. She departed for home on 1 August 1967 via Kaohsiung and Yokosuka, Midway, Pearl Harbor and Mayport on 11 September On 12-23 February she took part in Operation Springboard 1968, San Juan area. On 4 March she was at Operation Rugby-Matcht. On 27 April she returned to the Mediterranean with the 6th Fleet and back to Mayport by September, awarded a Battle “E”.

By early 1969, she remained at Mayport, trained in the Caribbean for her last overseas deployment, North Atlantic in September 1969 for Operation Peacekeeper then Mediterranean to relieve USS Zellars in the 6th Fleet for three-month with Operation Emery Cloth. She retuned in December, sent to Naval Reserve duty and TS from 1 January 1970, Galveston from 12 January and for the next three years. She was sent in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean and from May 1973, departed Galveston for NAVSTA Mayport and inactivation, then decommissioned on 16 July 1973, struck 1 September 1973, sold for BU.

USS Waldron, commissioned in 7 June 1944, already had an illustrious history in WW2, earning 4 battle stars. From 1950 she had a Korean campaign. In June 1962 she started her FRAM II overhaul at Norfolk. By the summer of 1967 she was prepared for deployment to the far east and on 5 July 1967, left Norfolk for the Panama Canal, stopped at San Diego and Pearl Harbor for Yokosuka on 10 August. She was in Vietnamese waters on 24 August for patrols on the 17th parallel and gunfire support for the III MAF until 17 September before supply and R&R at Kaohsiung and Hong Kong in October. Later she operated with the II Corps tactical zone, 1st Air Cavalry Division, South Vietnamese 40th Division before joined carriers of TF 77 and TG 77.8 for planeguard duties. She was back to Yankee Station and TG 77.8 until R&R at Subic Bay, back on 24 November with the II Corps zone. In December she was at Subic Bay and Yokosuka. She returned home via Midway and Pearl Harbor to San Francisco on 9 January 1968 (1 battle star), Panama, Norfolk on 30 January and from 1969 she alternated between Atlantic operations and the Mediterranean. From April 1970 she became a Naval Reserve training vessel for the 6th Naval District at Mayport until the fall of 1973. Decommissioned on 30 October 1973 she was transferred to the Colombian Navy as ARC Santander (DD-03), until stricken and scrapped in 1986.

Commissioned on 8 September 1944, lind served with TF 38 with distinction earning 4 battle stars. She also made an impressive Korean campaign, adding four more. In 1960 she worked for COMASWFORLANT and performed Operation “Springboard 61.” After which she had upkeep and took part in Project Mercury. She had her FRAM II overhaul from October to August 1962 and took part in the Cuban missile crisis. In 1964 she was deployed in the Med with DesRon 22. In 1965 she had an overhaul at Norfolk. In 1966 she was back to the Med, from Naples. She later took part in the Gemini program and returned in 1967 to the Med. In April 1968 she departed for Panama and the east coast, then peal Harbor and Yokosuka for her Vietnam tour of duty. That yeer she had three tours at the “Gunline” off the DMZ. She was back in Norfolk and 1969 was spent in maintenance and training. In 1970 she returned in the Pacific, took part in Comtuex, worked with USS America (CVA-66) and trained with the JMSDF. In Nov. 1970 she was back to Vietnam for another tour. Same in 1971 operating with Kitty Hawk and Ranger (3 battle stars). In 1972-73 she trained on the east coast. Shje later returned to the West Coast for a refit, and in Dec. 1973 she was decommissioned and sold to South Korea as ROKS Dae Gu, in service until 1994.

USS Borie, commissioned on 21 September 1944, joined TF 59 and took part in the battle sof Iow Jima, Okinawa and final operations and occupation duties, earning 3 battle stars, followed by 4 battle stars for Korea. In 1961 she completed her FRAM overhaul. She operated in the Caribbean in 1962, rescuing Cubans seeking asylum and took part in the blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis. She was famous for forcing to the surface a diesel-powered Russian submarine, but offered aid and supplies and escorted her out of the area. Next she escorted 20 amphibious ships mobilized for a task force. She received her DASH later and tested it in a Mediterranean deployment, in which she also rescued an F-8 Crusader pilot from USS Shangri-La. From February 1968 she had a Vietnam deployment, Gulf of Tonkin as plane guard, radar picket duty, gun line (7,000 rounds) at Phan Thiet and Mekong Delta. In 1969, she was a naval reserve training ship until June 1972, decommissioned, struck from the Register on 1 July 1972, sold to the Argentine Navy as Hipólito Bouchard (D-26) -active until 1984.

Commissioned on 1 March 1945, Purvis missed the war in the Pacific. She later worked for the 6th fleet and had a Korean campaign, earning two battle stars. She took part in the Suez crisis as well, and had her FRAM overhaul in March 1960 until January 1961. She worked in the Atlantic, took part in Project Mercury and cuban missile crisis blockade. In 1964 in Boston she wa refitted and received a new radar radome mounted on a 30-foot (9.1 m) mast for testings. She took part of Operation “Springboard” and wrked with the cruiser destroyer force in 1964-65. In 1966 she was deployed in the Med. Same in 1967 and 1968 saw her deployed in the Pacific, making atour of duty in Vietnam as carrier plane guard and on the gunline. She earned there a Meritorious Unit Commendation and Combat Action Ribbon. In 1969 she was sent to the Destroyer Development Group to Destroyer Division 102. In 1970 she was deployed in the Med. She was decommissioned on 15 June 1972, sold to Turkey on 1 July, renamed TCG Zafer (D 356), active until 1993, sold 1994 for BU.

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