5. Fletcher Class - Destroyer; United States
When one Fletcher class destroyer, the USS Johnston, was commissioned, her Captain made a speech to his crew that typified the destroyer man's creed.
"This is going to be a fighting ship. I intend to go in harms way, and anyone who doesn't want to go along had better get off right now."
By early 1943, the first five Fletcher class destroyers had arrived in the Pacific, their task was to target and smash the Japanese supply convoys.
Already the role of the Destroyer was changing. Once looked on as a defense for the capital ships, the new Fletchers were now being thrown into the furnace of battle.
PUZZLES: Warship Puzzles
VIDEO: See the Fletcher Class in action
