Destroyers are a relatively recent addition to navies around the world. The USN launched DD1, USS Bainbridge, in 1903. This was the first ship actually called a destroyer and built as such. The precursor of all destroyers was developed back in the 1860’s as a torpedo boat.

Steam powered catches carrying self propelled torpedoes were to be used to destroy and enemy fleet if it were to make an attempt to raid a harbor. These catches were small fast boats that could carry the newly developed torpedo. As the torpedo threat grew a new type of boat was developed, catchers. Their job was to run with the fleet at sea and protect the larger ships from torpedoes.

As the range and accuracy of torpedoes increased the catcher started to grow into a larger and larger ship. Their whole job was to protect ships in harbors from the new torpedo boats. They became officially know as Torpedo boat destroyers. Their whole job was to protect the larger ships from torpedo attack. The term torpedo boat destroyer was shortened to just destroyer by the British. The boats were soon discovered to be useful in protecting ships out to sea. During World War I their job was protecting the battle fleet from torpedo boats and submarines.

After the war the destroyer was developed into a true submarine hunter. Since naval strategy still centered on the battle fleet it was thought the destroyer would screen the fleet for submarines and possibly provide some protection against any small surface craft. The ships were equipped with smaller main cannon and torpedo tubes to fulfill their tasks. Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor Naval planners realized the age of the surface battle fleet were on their way out.

Almost over night destroyers were being fitted with RADAR and AA weapons to provide the fleet protection against the newest threat, aircraft. The destroyer was also fitted with better sonar and depth charges to protect the fleet from below, just as in WW I. As the war progressed the AA role increased and the ships became stronger in this form of fighting.

After World War II the destroyer maintain its regular war time mission. With increased use of submarines for attack purposes the destroyer perfected the ASW art with the help of a new friend, the helo. Today’s destroyers are suitable to take on any mission, ASW, AA, and anti-shipping. Although a destroyer of today weights almost as much as a light cruiser from WWII it packs much more punch. With the addition for cruise missiles the ship can hit almost any target anywhere at anytime.

So from a point defense boat to a hit any target ship in about 130 years, not too bad.