This
first Ship's History Report for the USS KING (DLG-10) for
the period
ending 31 December 1960 is submitted herewith.
a.
The USS KING was authorized by Congress in the 1956 Shipbuilding
Program. Her keel was laid in March
1957 at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Bremerton, Washington.
She was launched 6 December 1958, and commissioned on 17 November
1960. The USS KING (DLG-10) is the first ship to be named
after Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King. CDR Melvin E. Bustard
was the first Commanding Officer. b. The KING is approximately 512 feet long
and has a beam of 52 feet. Fully loaded she displaces 5600
tons and is capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots. c. For armament, the KING
is equipped with a Terrier Missile Launcher which fires
the Terrier, a surface-to-air,
solid propellant, beam riding missile. Missiles aboard ship
are selected automatically from the storage magazine below
deck and loaded onto the launcher, which is then automatically
aimed at the target and fired. Next is the anti-submarine
battery consisting of the potent ASROC (anti-submarine rocket)
system and two triple tube, torpedo launchers. Combined with
the ship's high speed capability and maneuverability and
the
latest sonar equipment these weapons give KING a terrific
sub killing potential. The KING is also equipped with one
(1) 5"/54 mount forward and two (2) twin 3"/50
mounts amidships. d. The KING was designed to outfit Fast
Task Force as anti-aircraft defense ships with radar picket
and
anti-submarine capabilities. In order to accomplish this
mission, she is provided with the latest in air search and
fire control
radar and sonar to detect the enemy and the most advanced
anti-aircraft and anti-submarine missiles with which to
destroy
him. e. After commissioning the KING was assigned
to the Commandant, Thirteenth Naval District for fitting
out.
While under control of COMTHIRTEEN KING underwent builder's
trials at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington
prior to departing Bremerton for Shakedown Cruise and Underway
Training. Scheduled departure date from Puget Sound Naval
Shipyard and detachment from COMTHIRTEEN set for 14 January
1961 M. E. BUSTARD |
