FPO SAN FRANCISCO 96601

HISTORY OF THE USS KING (DLG10)

UPDATED 1969

USS KING (DLG-10) is a Guided Missile Frigate, homeported in San Diego, California. She administratively reports, through Commander Destroyer Squadron FIVE and Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla ELEVEN, to Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet. KING operates as a unit of both the FIRST Fleet and of the SEVENTH Fleet depending upon her geographic location.

KING was authorized by Congress in the 1956 Shipbuilding Program. Her keel was laid on 1 March 1957 at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington. Under the sponsorship of Mrs. Oliver W. VANDENBERG, daughter of Fleet Admiral KING, KING was launched on 6 December 1958. She was commissioned and proudly took her place in the Navy on 17 November 1960 as the first ship named after Fleet Admiral Ernest J. KING.

This class Guided Missile Frigate is designed to provide Fast Carrier Striking Forces with anti-aircraft and anti-submarine defenses, In order to accomplish this mission, KING is equipped with the latest technological developments in air search radars and sonar to detect the enemy, and with sophisticated anti-aircraft and anti-submarine missiles with which to destroy him. Additionally, KING is one of the first ships to be equipped with the Naval Tactical Data System (NTDS) a high speed digital computer complex, which has revolutionized the concept of anti-air warfare.

KING is 512 feet long and has a beam of 52 feet. Fully loaded she displaces 5600 tons. Her high pressure steam turbines make her capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots. She possesses the latest habitability features designed for the comfort of her crew.

KING's main armament is her TERRIER missile system. The TERRIER is a surface-to-air, supersonic, solid propellant missile capable of intercepting and destroying any present-day aircraft. The missile system is backed up by four 3"/50 caliber guns and one 5"/54 caliber gun for defense against enemy air and surface units.

KING's anti-submarine capability consists of the potent ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rockets system and two triple-tube torpedo launchers. These weapons systems, combined with the ship's speed, maneuverability, and underwater detection equipment give KING a formidable antisubmarine warfare potential.

KING is a complex and vital part of the United States Navy and in a very real sense is truly representative of our nation. She is manned by men from all areas of the United States -- men who are constantly training to maintain KING's high state of combat readiness. Her complement of 400 officers and enlisted men work together to serve a shipboard organization divided into five departments: Engineering, Navigation, Operations, Weapons, and Supply.