This classic Images of War book traces the critical role played by destroyers of the United States Navy (USN) since the first order for 16 in 1898. Before America's entry into the First World War, a further 63 destroyers were commissioned and, due to the U-boat threat, 267 more were authorized 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 types. More recently 82 of the stealth shaped Arleigh Burke class have been ordered but the futuristic Zumwalt programme has been curtailed for cost reasons. Expert author Michael Green is to be commended for compiling this overview account of the USN's impressive destroyer programme with its authoritative text and superb images.