Kidd

Design

As the first class of destroyers produced by a wartime United States, the Fletcher-class was seen as a logical progression from the pre-war designs. Gibbs-and-Cox, took their experience in designing the previous Benson and Gleaves-class, and sought to rectify the deficiencies in both design. Coming in at above 1500 tonnes, the previous designs failed to meet the armament requirement of five 5-inch guns and 10 torpedo tubes; they were seen as too small and top heavy. Time would prove their third creation to be a war-winner; the mettle and venerability of the Fletchers were displayed during the gruelling combat in the Pacific campaign.

Fletcher-class were the first destroyers in the Navy that exceeded 2000 tonnes displacement. A change from previous design practice, Fletchers had flush-decks, as opposed to the raised forecastle design seen on the Benson-class. This increased her length but decreased her freeboard. Overall this was considered a very structurally sound and seaworthy design. Additionally —unique to Fletcher-class ships built later in World War II (such as USS Kidd) — the superstructure design was altered: it was of a lower height with a flat-face and bridge, as opposed to the traditional rounded-tower design.

In order to maintain the 38 knot speed regardless of the increase in tonnage, new propulsion machinery was used: boilers that were 20-30% more efficient and turbines that were 20% more powerful than predecessors. Ultimately a third of the internal space was consumed by propulsion machinery in a unique configuration. The forward boiler and turbine room were separated from the rear boiler and engine room via watertight bulkheads. Each individual segment ran the port and starboard propulsion screws, respectively. This configuration resulted in greater machine survivability from combat damage.

As required by US Navy specifications, each Fletcher class ship was able to mount five (5) 5-inch guns in single, enclosed dual-purpose mounts; two guns forward, two guns rear, and one amidships. All turrets were controlled by Mark 37 and Mark 22 Fire Directors. Feeding information to the gun computer, the main battery could all be remotely controlled if required. Furthermore, the class got to implement SG surface radar and "Variable-Time" proximity fuses — both novelties to the Navy — that allowed effective engagement of both surface and air threats.

For greater anti-ship capabilities, the class was able to mount 10 torpedoes in 2 quintuple-mount launchers amidships; the heaviest torpedo broadside of any USN destroyer at the time. By also carrying depth launchers in conjunction with anti-submarine sonar, Fletchers were able to combat submarines.

Learning from the experience of Pearl Harbor, the Navy decided to invest in heavier anti-aircraft armament. After seeing their effectiveness during the Spanish Civil War, the Navy's Bureau of Ordnance (BuOrd) arranged manufacturing licences for Oerlikon 20mm and Bofors 40mm cannons; Anti-aircraft armament was constantly being changed throughout the war.

In light of the mounting ferocity and desperation of Japanese kamikaze attacks against US carrier strike groups late into the Pacific campaign, the Navy saw it fit to increase anti-aircraft potency in picket ships however possible. In 1945, about 55 Fletcher-class destroyers – such as USS Kidd – had their forward torpedo tubes removed to install an anti-aircraft platform mounting two quad-barrel 40mm. In addition to three dual-barrel emplacements, the total was brought up to fourteen 40mm AA guns. Furthermore, the seven single-barrel 20mm were replaced with six dual-barrel emplacements, bringing the total up to twelve 20mm AA guns.

Overall, the class were equipped with a plethora of tools to combat a myriad of threats and seen as a flexible platform that can adapt to changing needs.

In the end, 175 Fletchers were produced from 11 shipyards throughout the country. USS Kidd (DD-661) was the 133rd Fletcher-class destroyer to be produced, named after RAdm. Isaac C. Kidd; KIA during the sinking of his flagship USS Arizona in 1941. With the sponsorship of Mrs. Kidd, Federal Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co. in Kearny, New Jersey built the namesake destroyer; launched 28 February 1943.

Service

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  The USS Kidd (DD-661) on its dry-dock platform in Baton Rouge, February 2015.

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  USS Kidd resting on dry-dock.

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  USS Kidd dropping depth charges.