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Destroyer escort Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Naval History: Destroyer Escorts and Related Warships

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Naval History: Destroyer Escorts and Related Warships Study Guide

Origins and World War II Development

Destroyer escorts (DEs) were primarily designed for high-speed fleet engagements, intended to match the operational speed of cruisers.

Answer: False

Explanation: Destroyer escorts were primarily designed for convoy escort duties, requiring endurance rather than the high speeds necessary for fleet engagements.

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The development of the destroyer escort was significantly influenced by the strategic requirements of Great Britain during World War II, necessitating vessels capable of sustained open-ocean anti-submarine warfare.

Answer: True

Explanation: Great Britain's urgent need for effective anti-submarine warfare platforms in the Atlantic during World War II was a primary driver for the development and widespread adoption of the destroyer escort concept.

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The Lend-Lease Act of 1941 primarily allowed the United States to procure escort vessels from Great Britain.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Lend-Lease Act of 1941 primarily enabled Great Britain and its allies to procure war materiel, including escort vessels, from the United States.

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Captain E.L. Cochrane was a naval officer responsible for the operational deployment of early destroyer escorts in the Pacific theater.

Answer: False

Explanation: Captain E.L. Cochrane, associated with the American Bureau of Shipping, was instrumental in designing the initial concept for the British Destroyer Escort (BDE), rather than operational deployment.

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The 'British Destroyer Escort' (BDE) was an initial design intended for the US Navy, later transferred to the Royal Navy.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'British Destroyer Escort' (BDE) was an initial design commissioned by the UK under Lend-Lease; the first ships were transferred to the Royal Navy, and subsequent ships were reclassified as US Navy destroyer escorts.

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After the US entered World War II, the allocation system for destroyer escorts assigned one ship to the U.S. Navy for every four completed for the Royal Navy.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following US entry into WWII, the allocation system favored the US Navy, assigning four ships to the US Navy for every one completed for the Royal Navy.

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What was the primary design purpose of the United States Navy's destroyer escort (DE) classification?

Answer: To possess the endurance for escorting merchant convoys across the open ocean.

Explanation: The primary design purpose of the destroyer escort (DE) was to provide the necessary endurance for escorting merchant convoys across vast ocean distances, typically operating at speeds up to 20 knots.

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Which historical event and nation significantly drove the development of the destroyer escort?

Answer: World War II and the needs of Great Britain for anti-submarine warfare.

Explanation: The critical need for effective anti-submarine warfare capabilities in the Atlantic during World War II, particularly for Great Britain, was the principal catalyst for the development of the destroyer escort.

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What was the significance of the Lend-Lease Act concerning destroyer escorts?

Answer: It allowed Great Britain to procure escort vessels designed and built by the US.

Explanation: The Lend-Lease Act was significant as it enabled Great Britain to procure escort vessels, including those designed and constructed by the United States, to bolster its anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

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Captain E.L. Cochrane's contribution to the destroyer escort design was primarily related to:

Answer: Designing the initial escort vessel concept (BDE).

Explanation: Captain E.L. Cochrane's primary contribution was in the design of the initial escort vessel concept, known as the British Destroyer Escort (BDE).

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What was the allocation ratio for destroyer escorts between the US Navy and the Royal Navy after the US entered World War II?

Answer: 4 ships to the US Navy for every 1 completed for the Royal Navy.

Explanation: After the United States entered World War II, the allocation system shifted significantly, assigning four destroyer escorts to the US Navy for every one completed for the Royal Navy.

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Design Features and Operational Roles

Full-sized destroyers typically require speeds of 10-12 knots to keep pace with merchant convoys.

Answer: False

Explanation: Full-sized destroyers are designed for much higher speeds, typically 25-35 knots, to engage enemy fleets, whereas destroyer escorts were designed to match the slower speeds of merchant convoys (around 10-12 knots).

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Destroyer escorts were primarily optimized for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), featuring a tighter turning radius and specialized weaponry like the Hedgehog mortar.

Answer: True

Explanation: The design of destroyer escorts emphasized anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, incorporating features such as enhanced maneuverability (tighter turning radius) and specific ASW weapons like the Hedgehog mortar.

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The primary mission of the radar picket destroyer escorts (DERs) was to extend the radar coverage of the Distant Early Warning Line along the US coasts.

Answer: True

Explanation: Radar picket destroyer escorts (DERs) were deployed to enhance early warning radar capabilities along the United States' coastlines.

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The conversion of some destroyer escorts into high-speed transports (APDs) during World War II involved adding features to support troop transport and landing craft deployment.

Answer: True

Explanation: Conversions of destroyer escorts to high-speed transports (APDs) included modifications to accommodate troops and facilitate the deployment of landing craft.

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Why did destroyer escorts (DEs) not require the same high top speed as full-sized fleet destroyers?

Answer: They were intended to keep pace with slower merchant convoys, not fleet carriers.

Explanation: Destroyer escorts were designed to escort merchant convoys, which typically operated at speeds around 10-12 knots, thus not requiring the high speeds (25-35 knots) necessary for fleet destroyers operating with carrier groups.

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Which feature was specifically mentioned as an optimization for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) in destroyer escort design?

Answer: A forward-firing Hedgehog mortar for close-range attacks.

Explanation: The Hedgehog mortar, a forward-firing ASW weapon designed for close-range engagements, was a specific feature mentioned as an optimization for anti-submarine warfare in destroyer escorts.

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What was the primary mission of the radar picket destroyer escorts (DERs) developed post-WWII?

Answer: To provide early warning radar coverage along the coast.

Explanation: Radar picket destroyer escorts (DERs) were primarily tasked with extending the radar coverage of early warning systems along the United States' coastlines.

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The conversion of some destroyer escorts into high-speed transports (APDs) during World War II involved adding features to support which function?

Answer: Transporting troops and launching landing craft.

Explanation: Conversions of destroyer escorts into high-speed transports (APDs) included the addition of facilities to accommodate troops and equipment for landing craft deployment.

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Classification and Evolution of Escort Vessels

During World War II, the Royal Navy classified ships fulfilling the role of destroyer escorts as destroyers, not frigates.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Royal Navy classified ships fulfilling the role of destroyer escorts as frigates, a designation later adopted by the US Navy for similar vessels.

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Between approximately 1954 and 1975, new US Navy ships classified as destroyer escorts were designated as 'fleet escorts' while retaining the DE hull symbol.

Answer: False

Explanation: New US Navy ships classified as destroyer escorts between approximately 1954 and 1975 were designated as 'ocean escorts,' although they retained the DE hull symbol.

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The 1975 US Navy ship reclassification aimed to standardize nomenclature with NATO allies and simplify comparisons with Soviet naval ship types.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 1975 reclassification of destroyer escorts to frigates was undertaken to align US naval nomenclature with NATO standards and facilitate comparisons with Soviet naval classifications.

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In 1975, the United States Navy redesignated its destroyer escorts (and ocean escorts) as which type of warship?

Answer: Frigates (FF)

Explanation: In 1975, the US Navy reclassified its destroyer escorts and ocean escorts, assigning them the new designation of Frigates (FF).

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What designation was used for new-build US Navy ships classified as destroyer escorts between approximately 1954 and 1975?

Answer: Ocean Escorts (DE)

Explanation: Between approximately 1954 and 1975, new US Navy ships classified as destroyer escorts were designated as 'ocean escorts,' while retaining the DE hull classification symbol.

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Why did the US Navy reclassify destroyer escorts as frigates (FF) in 1975?

Answer: To simplify comparisons with Soviet naval ship types and standardize nomenclature with NATO allies.

Explanation: The 1975 reclassification of destroyer escorts to frigates (FF) was primarily intended to standardize naval nomenclature with NATO allies and to simplify comparisons with Soviet naval ship classifications.

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Key Warship Classes and International Comparisons

The Imperial Japanese Navy operated diesel-powered warships similar to destroyer escorts, known as the *Kaibōkan* class.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Imperial Japanese Navy utilized *Kaibōkan*-class vessels, which served roles analogous to destroyer escorts, often powered by diesel engines.

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The US Navy considered the *Tacoma*-class frigates inferior to destroyer escorts due to their better ventilation and stronger hull design.

Answer: False

Explanation: The US Navy considered *Tacoma*-class frigates inferior to destroyer escorts due to poorer ventilation and a hull design that offered less resistance to underwater explosions, despite their greater range.

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During the Vietnam War, the Republic of Vietnam Navy received three *Edsall*-class destroyer escorts from the United States.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Republic of Vietnam Navy received two *Edsall*-class destroyer escorts from the United States during the Vietnam War.

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The *Evarts*-class destroyer escorts primarily used turbo-electric propulsion, while the *Buckley*-class employed diesel-electric drive.

Answer: False

Explanation: The *Evarts*-class destroyer escorts primarily used diesel-electric propulsion, whereas the *Buckley*-class employed turbo-electric drive.

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The *Claud Jones*-class destroyer escorts were armed with 5-inch guns and anti-submarine rockets (ASROC).

Answer: False

Explanation: The *Claud Jones*-class destroyer escorts were armed with two 3-inch/50 caliber guns and six 13-inch torpedoes, not 5-inch guns or ASROC.

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According to the World War II shipbuilding programs table, a total of 507 high-speed transports (APDs) were accounted for.

Answer: False

Explanation: The World War II shipbuilding programs table accounts for 56 high-speed transports (APDs), not 507.

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The *Captain*-class frigates, built in the US and delivered to the UK under Lend-Lease, retained their original torpedo tubes after modifications by the Royal Navy.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Royal Navy significantly modified the *Captain*-class frigates upon their arrival, most notably by removing their torpedo tubes.

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Fifteen *Captain*-class frigates were lost during World War II.

Answer: True

Explanation: Out of the 78 *Captain*-class frigates constructed, fifteen were lost during World War II.

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Six *Cannon*-class destroyer escorts were constructed for the German Navy.

Answer: False

Explanation: Six *Cannon*-class destroyer escorts were constructed for the Free French Navy, not the German Navy.

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The Japanese *Etorofu*-class Type A Kai *kaibōkan* had a displacement of approximately 870 tons and a top speed of 19 knots.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Japanese *Etorofu*-class Type A Kai *kaibōkan*, built around 1943, had a displacement of approximately 870 tons and a maximum speed of 19 knots.

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The US *Buckley*-class destroyer escort was smaller and slower than the British *River*-class frigate.

Answer: False

Explanation: The US *Buckley*-class destroyer escort was slightly larger and faster than the British *River*-class frigate.

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Which of the following was NOT listed as a warship type in other navies sharing characteristics with destroyer escorts?

Answer: French Navy's *Le Fantasque*-class destroyers

Explanation: The *Le Fantasque*-class destroyers of the French Navy were not listed as comparable to destroyer escorts; the text mentions the Imperial Japanese Navy's *Kaibōkan*, Kriegsmarine's F-class escort ships, and Romanian Navy's *Amiral Murgescu*-class vessels.

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According to the US Navy's assessment, which aspect made the *Tacoma*-class frigates (PF) inferior to destroyer escorts?

Answer: They offered less resistance to underwater explosions and had poor ventilation.

Explanation: The US Navy deemed *Tacoma*-class frigates inferior due to inadequate ventilation, which created harsh internal conditions, and a hull design that provided less protection against underwater explosions compared to destroyer escorts.

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How many *Edsall*-class destroyer escorts were provided to the Republic of Vietnam Navy during the Vietnam War?

Answer: Two

Explanation: The Republic of Vietnam Navy received two *Edsall*-class destroyer escorts from the United States during the Vietnam War.

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The *Evarts*-class destroyer escorts primarily used which propulsion system?

Answer: Diesel-electric propulsion

Explanation: The *Evarts*-class destroyer escorts primarily utilized diesel-electric propulsion systems.

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What armament was characteristic of the *Claud Jones*-class destroyer escorts?

Answer: Two 3-inch/50 caliber guns and six 13-inch torpedoes.

Explanation: The armament of the *Claud Jones*-class destroyer escorts typically consisted of two 3-inch/50 caliber guns and six 13-inch torpedoes.

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Which shipbuilder facility built the largest number of combined destroyer escorts (DEs) and high-speed transports (APDs) according to the World War II shipbuilding programs table?

Answer: Bethlehem's Hingham facility

Explanation: According to the World War II shipbuilding programs table, Bethlehem's Hingham facility constructed the largest combined number of destroyer escorts (DEs) and high-speed transports (APDs).

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What significant modification did the Royal Navy perform on the *Captain*-class frigates after receiving them from the US?

Answer: Removal of their torpedo tubes.

Explanation: A significant modification undertaken by the Royal Navy on the *Captain*-class frigates after their transfer from the US was the removal of their torpedo tubes.

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How many *Captain*-class frigates were lost during World War II?

Answer: 15

Explanation: Fifteen of the 78 *Captain*-class frigates built were lost during the course of World War II.

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Six *Cannon*-class destroyer escorts were constructed for which navy under the Lend-Lease program?

Answer: The French Navy

Explanation: Six *Cannon*-class destroyer escorts were constructed for the Free French Navy under the Lend-Lease program.

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What was the displacement and top speed of the Japanese *Etorofu*-class Type A Kai *kaibōkan*?

Answer: 870 tons and 19 knots

Explanation: The Japanese *Etorofu*-class Type A Kai *kaibōkan* had a displacement of approximately 870 tons and a top speed of 19 knots.

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Compared to the British *River*-class frigate, the US *Buckley*-class destroyer escort was:

Answer: Slightly larger and faster.

Explanation: The US *Buckley*-class destroyer escort, displacing 1,400 tons and capable of 23 knots, was slightly larger and faster than the British *River*-class frigate, which displaced 1,370 tons and had a speed of 20 knots.

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Post-War Adaptations and Modern Naval Context

Post-World War II destroyer escorts and frigates were generally smaller and had less anti-aircraft capability than their wartime counterparts.

Answer: False

Explanation: Post-World War II destroyer escorts and frigates were generally larger and possessed enhanced anti-aircraft capabilities compared to their wartime predecessors.

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During the Cold War, the US Navy converted some World War II destroyers into a specialized type known as escort destroyers (DDE) to adapt them for escort duties.

Answer: True

Explanation: The US Navy adapted some World War II destroyers for escort roles during the Cold War by converting them into specialized escort destroyers (DDE).

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Following World War II, some destroyer escorts with diesel-electric or turboelectric drives were repurposed as floating power stations for coastal cities.

Answer: True

Explanation: Certain destroyer escorts equipped with diesel-electric or turboelectric propulsion systems found post-war utility as floating power stations, supplying electricity to coastal urban areas.

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Seven destroyer escorts (DEs) were converted into radar picket ships (DERs) during World War II, a practice that ceased immediately after the war.

Answer: False

Explanation: While seven DEs were converted to DERs during WWII, the practice continued post-war, with additional conversions occurring in the mid-1950s.

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The HTMS *Pin Klao* (DE-1), formerly USS *Hemminger* (DE-746), is recognized as the last operational World War II destroyer escort still in service.

Answer: True

Explanation: The *Cannon*-class destroyer escort HTMS *Pin Klao* (DE-1), formerly USS *Hemminger* (DE-746), is acknowledged as the final operational World War II destroyer escort remaining in service.

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How did postwar destroyer escorts and frigates generally compare to those built during World War II?

Answer: They were larger and possessed enhanced anti-aircraft capabilities.

Explanation: Post-war destroyer escorts and frigates were generally larger and featured improved anti-aircraft capabilities compared to their World War II predecessors.

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What adaptation did the US Navy make during the Cold War concerning existing destroyers for escort duties?

Answer: They were converted into specialized escort destroyers (DDE).

Explanation: During the Cold War, the US Navy converted some World War II destroyers into specialized escort destroyers (DDE) to better fulfill escort roles as ship requirements evolved.

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What innovative post-war repurposing occurred for some destroyer escorts with diesel-electric or turboelectric drive systems?

Answer: Repurposing as floating power stations for coastal cities.

Explanation: Following World War II, some destroyer escorts equipped with diesel-electric or turboelectric drive systems were repurposed as floating power stations, providing electricity to coastal cities.

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Around 2006, what were the primary surface combatant ship types planned by the US Navy, notably excluding frigates?

Answer: USS *Zumwalt*-class destroyers and Littoral Combat Ships (LCS).

Explanation: Around 2006, the US Navy's primary surface combatant plans focused on the USS *Zumwalt*-class destroyers and Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), with no immediate plans for new frigates at that time.

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The *Ticonderoga*-class air-defense ship serves as an example of ambiguity in naval classification because:

Answer: It uses the hull design of a destroyer but is classified as a cruiser.

Explanation: The *Ticonderoga*-class air-defense ship exemplifies classification ambiguity because it employs the hull design of a destroyer while being officially classified as a cruiser.

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Which destroyer escort is recognized as the last operational World War II destroyer escort still in service in any navy?

Answer: HTMS *Pin Klao* (DE-1)

Explanation: The *Cannon*-class destroyer escort HTMS *Pin Klao* (DE-1), formerly USS *Hemminger* (DE-746), is recognized as the last operational World War II destroyer escort still in service.

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