U.S. Destroyers: An Illustrated Design History (Illustrated Design Histories) Hardcover – May 1, 2004

Norman Friedman outlines the history and development of US Destroyers from the early 20th century to the ARLEIGH BURKE Class Destroyers. He discusses why Destroyers were initially developed and how their focus shifted from Torpedo Boats, to Submarines to Aircraft.The title is a bit misleading because according to his definition the last true US Cruiser was the LONG BEACH, which leads him to cover most post World War II surface combatants (this book discusses the BAINBRIDGE, CALIFORNIA, VIRGINA, OLIVER HAZARD PERRY, TICONDEROGA, SPRUANCE, KIDD, etc class ships). The best parts of the book are the programs and ships that occurred in the mid to late stages of the Cold War. Some of the topics I found most interesting were the following:- The DASH program (Drone Antisubmarine Helicopter, this was an early UAV that wasdesigned to drop nuclear weapons onto Soviet Submarines).- The concept behind nuclear combatants and the OLIVER HAZARD PERRY CLASS Frigates.- Typhoon Weapon System (this was a procurer to Aegis).- The nuclear Aegis Class Cruiser.- Why the initial ARLEIGH BURKE Destroyers did not include helicopter hangers.- The development of the SPRUANCE, KIDD and TICONDEROGA class Destroyers.- How inflation stalled seventies ship building.Overall this is an excellent book that contains a wealth of information about the concepts, development and practices of US Naval shipbuilding. I am always amazed how Norman Friedman has been able to amass so much information about Naval Warfare.

This is undoubtedly the definitive work on U.S. destroyer design and role. What is slightly disappointing, however, is that this is really an update of a book that is several decades old, and the update did not include revising the older text. This creates two problems. First, it is somewhat jarring to read text that refers to "new" projects that were either canceled or implemented decades ago. There are some references to the Arleigh Burke class as under design, which was true in the late 1970s, but not true now that the ships have been in service for almost two decades. Second, there has been no attempt to explain how well the ships actually worked. For instance, now that the Spruance class ships have been retired, it would have been nice for the author to discuss their service. Were they good ships? Did they achieve their goals? Similarly for other ships that were retired in the 80s and 90s. How well did they perform? The book could have used a complete top-to-bottom revision, but did not get that. It's still a great reference, however.

Well written, accurate and well made book on US Destroyers. One of the most accurate factually and covers the design, constraints and operations in detail!

The book itself is interesting. However, many of the photos are partially dark. Also, isn't there supposed to be a dust cover? And it was billed as an updated & reprinted edition. I found that the original year of publication was 2004. I thought it would show the Navy's new Constellation-class FFG

I had bought the first edition when it came out, and it was excellent. When my late mother did a paper in her college history class on American destroyer escorts, I loaned it to her and she was also delighted with it. The first edition was excellent in addressing how the American destroyer and other related ships came into being and how they were used. This new edition will be of benefit to those who wish to continue the story of American destroyers into the era of the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyers and the trials and tribulations of developing a new frigate. For all who are interested in the history of the American Destroyer and how it came to be the way it was and is, this book is essential.

I purchased this book for my husband who spent nearly 25 years in the Naval Reserves all on destroyers. He is now in a nursing home and spends lots of time going through this book. He has trouble reading the small print but loves the pictures. He also appreciates the chart at the back with the hull numbers. He can find ships he served on and ships he operated with. This is a great book for anyone who has a history or love of destroyers.

This book is classic Friedman - a compendium of United States destroyers from the first to the latest (at least at the time of printing). Both the history and the ship's specifics are well told and explained, with details of each ship like no other. The only thing I could imagine being better would be a book dedicated to each ship class, and even then it wouldn't be by much.I do have two small complaints though - I wish there had been more on the earlier torpedo boats, the small steel predecessors to the destroyer, and I wish there had been more on the tactical diameters of each class. Of course that information might not exist, so my complaining remains minor.All told, this is a valuable addition to the collection of any naval history buff. Doctor Friedman is up there with the best.

One of the definitive reference works on U.S. Destroyer design, this book will provide excellent information on design and development of this important class of warships. Having been a tin can Sailor myself, I appreciated the wealth of information provided. Each design had specific goals in mind, while also being a compromise between armament, displacement, speed, cost, etc. Friedman is a master of detail and research, so enjoy the fruits of his labor and be prepared to learn more than you imagined.