While the **Fletcher-class** destroyers of the U.S. Navy are widely regarded as the best destroyers of World War II due to their combination of firepower, durability, and numbers, the **Benson/Gleaves-class** destroyers are often considered the second best. These ships were predecessors to the Fletcher class and shared many similar characteristics, but with some distinct differences that make them notable in their own right.
**1. Design and Performance:**
The Benson and Gleaves classes were both designed with similar principles in mind: they needed to be fast, durable, and capable of delivering heavy firepower while being more maneuverable than larger ships. They were built with a displacement of around 1,600 tons and were equipped with five 5-inch guns, like the Fletchers, making them formidable in combat. Despite their smaller size compared to the Fletchers, the Benson/Gleaves-class destroyers were highly effective at protecting convoys, engaging enemy ships, and providing anti-aircraft and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
**2. Operational History:**
These destroyers saw extensive action in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, where they participated in convoy escorts, fleet actions, and anti-submarine warfare. Their numbers made them a reliable asset, and many ships from this class went on to serve throughout the war, including high-profile battles like the Battle of the Atlantic and actions in the Pacific. Their high survivability, despite a number of them being involved in dangerous engagements, is a testament to their solid design and operational effectiveness.
**3. Advancements Over Time:**
Although they were superseded by the more modern Fletchers, the Benson/Gleaves-class destroyers incorporated lessons learned from earlier designs. Their improved hull structure and machinery systems helped them operate effectively under combat conditions, and their survivability in rough seas earned them respect.
In conclusion, while the Fletcher-class remains the gold standard for destroyers in WWII, the Benson/Gleaves class, with its solid design and combat record, is often regarded as the second-best, standing out for its reliability and versatility.