This classic Images of War book traces the key role played by destroyers of the United States Navy since the first order for 16 in 1898. Prior to the USA's entry into the First World War a further 63 destroyers were commissioned and, due to the U-boat threat, 267 more were authorised by Congress once hostilities were joined. Between 1932 and Pearl Harbor ten new classes totalling 169 destroyers came into service. During the war years American shipyards turned out a further 334 vessels. Of the three classes, the 175 Fletcher-class were judged the most successful. The Cold War years saw the development of seven more classes. More recently 82 of the stealth shaped Arleigh Burke class have been ordered but the futuristic Zumwalt-class programme has been curtailed for cost reasons. Expert author Michael Green is to be commended for compiling this comprehensive account of the USN's impressive destroyer programme with its authoritative text and superb images. AUTHOR: Michael Green is the author of numerous acclaimed books in the Images of War series including Armour in Vietnam, US Navy Aircraft Carriers, US Battleships, US Navy Submarines, The Patton Tank, US Naval Aviation, American Infantry Weapons, MI Abrams Tank, Combat Aircraft of the USAF, Allied Tanks of the Second World War, Allied AFVs of the Second World War, Axis Tanks of the Second World War , Axis AFVs of WW2, US Military Helicopters and United States Airborne Divisions 1942-2018. 250 colour and b/w illustrations