How Many Destroyers Does the U.S. Navy Have?
The United States Navy is one of the largest and most powerful navies in the world, with a fleet of warships that play a vital role in maintaining global security and projecting American power. One of the most versatile and deadly classes of warships in the U.S. Navy is the destroyer, which is designed to protect U.S. naval task forces and attack enemy submarines and surface ships.
The Current Destroyer Force
As of 2022, the U.S. Navy has a total of 94 active-duty destroyers, including:
- 79 Arleigh Burke-class (DDG) destroyers, which are the Navy’s primary multi-mission surface combatants. These destroyers are equipped with Aegis combat systems and Tomahawk cruise missiles.
- 8 Arleigh Burke-class (DDG) destroyers currently in the Fleet Readiness Center (FRC) undergoing maintenance and modernization.
- 4 Virginia-class (SSN) submarines that are assigned to surface combatant strike groups and have destroyer-type roles.
Here is a breakdown of the U.S. Navy’s destroyer fleet by class:
| Class | Number | Commissioned |
|---|---|---|
| Arleigh Burke-class (DDG) | 79 | 1989-present |
| Arleigh Burke-class (DDG) under maintenance | 8 | 1991-2019 |
| Virginia-class (SSN) | 4 | 2004-present |
Historical Context
The U.S. Navy’s destroyer force has a rich history dating back to World War I. The Navy’s first destroyers, known as the "Destroyer Flotillas," were commissioned in 1920 and were designed to attack enemy submarines and destroy enemy warships. In World War II, destroyers played a crucial role in the Battle of Midway and the Battle of Guadalcanal, and were also used for shore bombardment and transport missions.
After World War II, the U.S. Navy’s destroyer force was reduced in size as the Navy shifted its focus to aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines. However, the 1980s and 1990s saw a resurgence in the construction of destroyers, including the Arleigh Burke-class (DDG) program, which has become the Navy’s primary multi-mission surface combatant.
Future of the U.S. Navy’s Destroyer Force
The U.S. Navy is planning to continue building and maintaining a strong destroyer force to meet the evolving threats of the 21st century. The Navy is currently modernizing its Arleigh Burke-class (DDG) destroyers with Flight III Aegis systems, which will provide increased capabilities for air and missile defense.
In addition, the Navy is planning to commission the next generation of destroyers, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 destroyer, which will be equipped with advanced sensors and missiles, including the Littoral Combat System (LCS).
Here are some key upgrades and modernizations planned for the U.S. Navy’s destroyer force:
• Aegis Combat Systems: The Navy is modernizing its Aegis systems with Flight III radar and Advanced Suite B (ASB) to improve air and missile defense capabilities.
• Littoral Combat Systems (LCS): The Navy is planning to integrate LCS into its destroyers to improve their capabilities for littoral warfare and counter-submarine operations.
• Surface Warfare Missile (SWIP): The Navy is developing the SWIP system, which will provide increased missile capabilities for destroyers.
• Next-generation Radar: The Navy is planning to develop a next-generation radar system for its destroyers to improve air and surface surveillance capabilities.
Conclusion
The U.S. Navy’s destroyer force plays a critical role in maintaining national security and projecting American power around the world. With a total of 94 active-duty destroyers, the Navy has a powerful and versatile force at its disposal. As the Navy continues to modernize and upgrade its destroyer fleet, it will be able to meet the evolving threats of the 21st century and maintain its status as the world’s preeminent naval power.
