Classification: The ship was originally classified as "frigates" DLG from the time of commissioning until 30 June 1975 when it was changed to a guided missile destroyer. While classified as a destroyer, it had the Terrier/Standard-ER missile system and Naval Tactical Data System [NTDS] of  U.S. cruiser classes, the only destroyer type with that missile system.

Ship Characteristics


Main to No. 1 fireroom....your smoking black again!!!
USS King DLG-10, 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. KING was launched on 6 December 1958, Commissioned on 17 November 1960, and proudly took her place in the Navy as the first ship to be named in honor of Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King.

The Guided Missile Frigate is designed to provide Fast Carrier Striking Forces with anti-aircraft and anti-submarine defenses. In order to accomplish these missions, KING is equipped with NTDS as well as recent technological developments in air search radars and sonar to detect the enemy, together with highly advanced anti-aircraft and ant-submarine missiles with which to destroy him. While deployed with the SEVENTH Fleet KING has served in roles as Force Anti-Air Warfare Coordinator, Search and Rescue, Naval Gunfire Support, in direct support of Fast Carrier Striking Forces, in the Positive Identification and Radar Advisory Zone and as Strike Support Ship.

Since Commissioning KING has on numerous occasions served as a unit of the U.S. SEVENTH Fleet, operating in the Western Pacific. While operating in the Western Pacific waters, KING has visited many ports including Hong Kong, Subic Bay and Cebu in the Philippines; Sasebo, Yokosuka and Kobe in Japan, ports in Hawaii, Formosa and South Vietnam; Brisbane, Australia and Pago Pago in Samoa.