Farragut-class (DDG-37)

The Farragut class consisted of ten guided-missile destroyers constructed for the United States Navy between 1957 and 1961. These vessels succeeded the Forrest Sherman class and were the first carrier escorts designed and built specifically to carry guided missiles. While the first three ships were initially planned as all-gun units, they were converted during the design process. The class is also referred to as the Coontz class because USS Coontz was the first vessel designed from the outset as a guided-missile ship under project SCB 142. Originally designated as Destroyer Leaders (DLG), the ships were redesignated as guided-missile destroyers (DDG) following the 1975 fleet realignment.

The propulsion system featured geared steam turbines and water-tube boilers driving two shafts. For anti-air warfare, the class was equipped with a dual-arm Mark 10 launcher for Terrier missiles, which were later replaced by Standard Missiles. Surface armament included a dual-purpose gun forward and, following later refits, Harpoon anti-ship missile launchers which replaced the original 3-inch guns. Anti-submarine capabilities were provided by an ASROC launcher and Mark 32 torpedo tubes. Due to stability concerns regarding the weight of the design, only the lead ship, USS Farragut, was equipped with an ASROC magazine. The sensor suite integrated surface and air search radars, including 3D air search capabilities, along with sonar and electronic warfare systems.

The vessels entered commission between 1959 and 1961. During the 1975 reclassification, the Farragut class was unique as the only group of ships to undergo both a designation change and a hull renumbering. USS Farragut changed from DLG-6 to DDG-37, with all subsequent ships in the class renumbered in sequence. Operational updates included upgrades to fire control and search radars to accommodate SM-2ER missiles. The class remained in active service until the late 20th century, with all units decommissioned between 1989 and 1993. All ten ships were subsequently struck from the Navy list and sold for scrap.