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From: freeman@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu (Jay Freeman)
Newsgroups: sci.military
Subject: Re: Definitions of naval vessel types?
Message-ID: <1991May2.040408.20642@amd.com>
Date: 1 May 91 18:57:07 GMT
Article-I.D.: amd.1991May2.040408.20642
References: <1991May1.030202.19737@amd.com>
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From: freeman@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu (Jay Freeman)


Frigates, FF's and FFG's are what used to called Destroyer Escorts,
DE's.  Their primary role is convoy escort, with an emphasis on ASW. An
FFG, however posesses some AAW capabilty (the G means Guided Missile)
although its primary mission remains ASW.

Destroyers (DD's and DDG's) are larger (usually) than FF's and more
heavily armed. A DD's primary mission is also ASW but it will normally
have 1 or more guns for ASUW and NGFS capability .  A DDG actually has
2 primary missions, AAW and ASW.

Cruisers are larger, heavier and more heavily armed (usually) than
Destroyers.  CA (heavy cruiser) and CL (light cruiser) have not been in
service anywhere in the world in several years, with the sole exception
of 2 Sverdlov CL's in the Soviet Navy. CG's (guided missile cruisers)
are the premier AAW platform in navies which can afford them. Many CG's
also have secondary ASW, ASUW, NGFS, and Strike warfare missions.

Hope this helps, Jay
-- 
73 de Jay, WT9S     
Internet: freeman@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu
Packet:   wt9s@n9hhi.il.usa.na