Difference between revisions of "USS Bennion"

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{{Specs-Card|code=us_destroyer_fletcher_bennion}}
+
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=us_destroyer_fletcher_bennion
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--In the first part of the description, cover the history of the ship’s creation and military application. In the second part, tell the reader about using this ship in the game. Add a screenshot. If a beginner player has a hard time remembering vehicles by name, a picture will help them identify the ship in question.-->
+
<!-- ''In the first part of the description, cover the history of the ship's creation and military application. In the second part, tell the reader about using this ship in the game. Add a screenshot: if a beginner player has a hard time remembering vehicles by name, a picture will help them identify the ship in question.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a member of the [[Fletcher (Family)|Fletcher-class]] destroyers, the first generation of destroyers developed by the U.S. after the disintegration of the Washington and London Naval Treaties during World War II. The Fletcher class was meant to be larger and carry more armament due to dissatisfaction with earlier destroyer classes. She was named for Captain Mervyn S. Bennion, a commander of USS West Virginia who was killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor. She was laid down on 19th March 1943 and commissioned on 14th December 1943. During the Battle of Surigao Strait in October 1944, Bennion torpedoed and sank Japanese Fusō-class battleship [[IJN Yamashiro|Yamashiro]]. Before the aforementioned battle and also after it, she served as picket ship and fighter director through the Marianas, Philippines, and Iwo Jima and Okinawa campaigns. For her duty, she received the Presidential Unit Citation and was awarded with eight battle stars. She was placed into reserve on 20th June 1946 and sold for scrap many years later on 30th May 1973.
−
{{Break}}
 
−
The '''{{specs|name}}''' is a gift Rank {{specs|rank}} American destroyer {{Battle-rating|1}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]] as a Xbox One exclusive vehicle purchasable on the [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/war-thunder-uss-bennion/c13lc0czw316?activetab=pivot:overviewtab Microsoft Store].
 
  
−
As a Fletcher-class destroyer, the USS Bennion resembles its sister ships [[Fletcher (DD-445)|Fletcher]] and [[Cowell (DD-547)|Cowell]] in terms of performance characteristics. The most distinctive differences the USS Bennion has compared to its sisters, specifically the C is its designation number of 662, and an unique dazzle camouflage following the MS-32/13D design pattern. Compared to its closer relative, the Cowell, the Bennion possess an extra 5,000 rounds of 40 mm Bofors ammunition.
+
It was introduced in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]] as an Xbox-exclusive vehicle purchasable on the [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/war-thunder-uss-bennion/c13lc0czw316?activetab=pivot:overviewtab Microsoft Store]. As a Fletcher-class destroyer, the USS Bennion resembles its sister ships [[USS Fletcher]] and [[USS Cowell]] in terms of performance characteristics. The most distinctive differences the USS Bennion has compared to its sisters is its unique dazzle camouflage, following the MS-32/13D design pattern. Compared to its closer relative, the Cowell, the Bennion possesses an extra 5,000 rounds of 40 mm Bofors ammunition.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
<!--Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armament separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Save tips for preserving survivability in the "Use in battle" section.
+
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armaments separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Save tips on preserving survivability for the "Usage in battles" section. If necessary, use a graphical template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.'' -->
 +
As part of the Fletcher-class family, the USS Bennion's armour profile is not so different from its sisters, with armour plates covering the individual 127 mm gun turrets and primarily hull protection at the sides and roof.
  
−
If necessary, use a graphics template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.-->
+
'''Armour type:'''
−
As part of the Fletcher-class family, the USS Bennion's armour profile are not so different from its sisters, with armour plates covering the individual 127 mm gun turrets and primarily hull protection at the sides and roof.
 
  
−
'''Armour type:'''
 
 
* Antifragmentation armour
 
* Antifragmentation armour
 
* Cast homogeneous armour
 
* Cast homogeneous armour
 
* Hardened armour
 
* Hardened armour
 +
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Armour !! Bow (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Stern !! Deck
 
! Armour !! Bow (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Stern !! Deck
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || N/A || 13 mm (0-24°) || N/A || 13 mm (85-89°)  
+
| Hull || N/A || 13 mm (0-24°) || N/A || 13 mm (85-89°)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
Line 32: Line 34:
 
|}
 
|}
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
* The fire-control radar atop the bridge is covered with an antifragmentation armour with 19 mm thickness.
 
* The fire-control radar atop the bridge is covered with an antifragmentation armour with 19 mm thickness.
 
* Gun shields around the 20 mm Oerlikon autocannons are 12.7 mm thick.
 
* Gun shields around the 20 mm Oerlikon autocannons are 12.7 mm thick.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
−
<!--Write about the ship’s mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward speed and reverse speed.-->
+
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
<!-- ''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.'' -->
−
|-
+
 
−
!colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
+
{{NavalMobility}}
−
|-
+
 
−
! colspan="3" |Weight (tons)
+
=== Modifications and economy ===
−
|-
+
{{Specs-Economy}}
−
| colspan="3" |2,924
 
−
|-
 
−
!colspan="3" | Max Speed (km/h)
 
−
|-
 
−
!colspan="1" | Mode
 
−
!Stock
 
−
!Upgraded
 
−
|-
 
−
|''Arcade''
 
−
|58
 
−
|79
 
−
|-
 
−
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
−
|56
 
−
|65
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
== Armament ==
 
== Armament ==
 +
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}
 
=== Primary armament ===
 
=== Primary armament ===
−
<!--Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells. Add a link to the main article about the weapon: <code><nowiki>{{main|Weapon name (calibre)}}</nowiki></code>.
+
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}
−
 
+
<!-- ''Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells. Add a link to the main article about the weapon: <code><nowiki>{{main|Weapon name (calibre)}}</nowiki></code>. Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.'' -->
−
Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.-->
+
{{main|5 inch/38 Mk.12 (127 mm)}}
−
{{main|5/38 Mark 12 Dual Purpose (127 mm)}}
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | [[5/38 Mark 12 Dual Purpose (127 mm)|127 mm 5/38 Mark 12 Dual Purpose gun]] (x5)
+
! colspan="6" | [[5 inch/38 Mk.12 (127 mm)|5 inch/38 Mk.12]] (x5)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan = "6" | Turrets (Bow to stern)
+
! colspan="6" | Turrets (Bow to stern)
 
|-
 
|-
−
!  || Turret 1 || Turret 2 || Turret 3 || Turret 4 || Turret 5  
+
!  || Turret 1 || Turret 2 || Turret 3 || Turret 4 || Turret 5
 
|-
 
|-
 
! scope="row" | Vertical guidance
 
! scope="row" | Vertical guidance
−
| colspan = "5" | -15°/+85°  
+
| colspan="5" | -15°/+85°
 
|-
 
|-
 
! scope="row" | Horizontal guidance
 
! scope="row" | Horizontal guidance
−
| colspan = "2" | ±150° || ±143° || colspan = "2" | ±150°
+
| colspan="2" | ±150° || ±143° || colspan="2" | ±150°
 
|-
 
|-
 
! scope="row" | Ammo capacity
 
! scope="row" | Ammo capacity
−
| colspan = "6" | 1,800
+
| colspan="6" | 1,800
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===== Ammunition =====
+
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:5 inch/38 Mk.12 (127 mm)/Ammunition|5 inch AAC Mk.34, 5 inch Common Mk.32, 5 inch SP Common Mk.46, 5 inch AAVT Mk.31}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0° Angle of Attack'''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 1000m
 
−
! 2500m
 
−
! 5000m
 
−
! 7500m
 
−
! 10000m
 
−
! 15000m
 
−
|-
 
−
| 127 mm AAC Mk.34 || HE || 54 || 49 || 40 || 36 || 36 || 36
 
−
|-
 
−
| 127 mm Common Mk.32 || SAP || 125 || 100 || 70 || 50 || 38 || 25
 
−
|-
 
−
| 127 mm AAVT Mk.31 || HE-VT || 54 || 49 || 40 || 36 || 36 || 36
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="11" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
 
−
''in m:''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
 
−
''in mm:''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
 
−
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0%
 
−
! 50%
 
−
! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| 127 mm AAC Mk.34 || HE || 792 || 25 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 3,220 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| 127 mm Common Mk.32 || SAP || 792 || 25 || 10 || 10 || 1,150 || -1° || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
−
|-
 
−
| 127 mm AAVT Mk.31 || HE-VT || 792 || 25 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 3,220 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Secondary armament ===
 
=== Secondary armament ===
−
<!--Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. The secondary armament is defined as the weapon chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armament and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section.
+
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}
−
 
+
<!-- ''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. Secondary armaments are defined as weapons chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armaments and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that any anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section. If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.'' -->
−
If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.-->
+
{{main|Bofors L/60 Mark 1 (40 mm)}}
−
{{main|Bofors (40 mm)}}
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | [[Bofors (40 mm)|40 mm Bofors Mk. I]] (x10)
+
! colspan="6" | [[Bofors L/60 Mark 1 (40 mm)|40 mm Bofors L/60 Mark 1]] (x10)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan = "6" | Turrets (Bow to stern)
+
! colspan="6" | Turrets (Bow to stern)
 
|-
 
|-
−
!  || Front port turret (x2) || Front starboard turret (x2) || Middle port turret (x2) || Middle starboard turret (x2) || Rear turret (x2)  
+
!  || Front port turret (x2) || Front starboard turret (x2) || Middle port turret (x2) || Middle starboard turret (x2) || Rear turret (x2)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! scope="row" | Vertical guidance
 
! scope="row" | Vertical guidance
−
| colspan = "2" | -15°/+88° || colspan = "2" | -10°/+88° || -15°/+88°
+
| colspan="2" | -15°/+88° || colspan="2" | -10°/+88° || -15°/+88°
 
|-
 
|-
 
! scope="row" | Horizontal guidance
 
! scope="row" | Horizontal guidance
−
| -150°/+90° || -90°/+150° || -180°/+20° || -20°/+180° || ±180°  
+
| -150°/+90° || -90°/+150° || -180°/+20° || -20°/+180° || ±180°
 
|-
 
|-
 
! scope="row" | Ammo capacity
 
! scope="row" | Ammo capacity
−
| colspan = "6" | 25,000
+
| colspan="6" | 25,000
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===== Belts =====
+
==== Ammunition ====
−
{|class="wikitable"
+
 
−
| '''Belts''' || '''Shell composition''' || '''Combat usage'''
+
* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
−
|-
+
* '''40 mm HE clips:''' {{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}
−
|align="left"|''Universal'' ||align="left"| AP-T &ndash; HEF-T &ndash; AP-T &ndash; HEF-T ||align="left"|
+
* '''40 mm AP clips:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
−
|-
+
 
−
|align="left"|''40 mm HE clips'' ||align="left"| HEF-T &ndash; HEF-T &ndash; HEF-T &ndash; AP-T||align="left"|
+
{{:Bofors L/60 Mark 1 (40 mm)/Ammunition|HEFI-T, AP-T}}
−
|-
 
−
|align="left"|''40 mm AP clips'' ||align="left"| AP-T &ndash; AP-T &ndash; AP-T &ndash; HEF-T ||align="left"|
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
 
=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
−
<!--An important part of the ship’s armament responsible for air raid defence. Anti-aircraft armament is defined by the weapon chosen with the control <code>Select anti-aircraft weapons</code>. Talk about the ship’s anti-air cannons and machine guns, the number of guns and their positions, their effective range, and about their overall effectiveness – including against surface targets.
+
{{Specs-Fleet-AA}}
−
 
+
<!-- ''An important part of the ship's armament responsible for air defence. Anti-aircraft armament is defined by the weapon chosen with the control <code>Select anti-aircraft weapons</code>. Talk about the ship's anti-air cannons and machine guns, the number of guns and their positions, their effective range, and about their overall effectiveness – including against surface targets. If there are no anti-aircraft armaments, remove this section.'' -->
−
If there is no anti-aircraft artillery, remove this section.-->
+
{{main|20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)}}
−
{{main|Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)}}
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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! colspan="8" | [[Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)|20 mm Oerlikon Mk.II]] (x7)
 
! colspan="8" | [[Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)|20 mm Oerlikon Mk.II]] (x7)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan = "8" | Turrets (Bow to stern)
+
! colspan="8" | Turrets (Bow to stern)
 
|-
 
|-
−
!  || Front port turret || Middle port turret || Front starboard turret || Middle starboard turret || Rear port turret || Rear starboard turret || Rear stern turret
+
!  || Front port turret || Middle port turret || Front starboard turret || Middle starboard turret || Rear port turret || Rear starboard turret || Rear stern turret
 
|-
 
|-
 
! scope="row" | Vertical guidance
 
! scope="row" | Vertical guidance
−
| -80°/+65° || ±100° || -65°/+80° || ±100° || colspan = "3" | ±180°  
+
| -80°/+65° || ±100° || -65°/+80° || ±100° || colspan="3" | ±180°
 
|-
 
|-
 
! scope="row" | Horizontal guidance
 
! scope="row" | Horizontal guidance
−
| colspan = "7" | -4°/+50°  
+
| colspan="7" | -4°/+50°
 
|-
 
|-
 
! scope="row" | Ammo capacity
 
! scope="row" | Ammo capacity
−
| colspan = "7" | 16,800
+
| colspan="7" | 16,800
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
=== Torpedo armament ===
+
=== Additional armament ===
−
<!--Torpedoes launchers are standard equipment on many ships and boats. Torpedoes are a significant means of defeating an opponent. Evaluate the position of the torpedo launchers, discuss the ammunition available, firing specifics such as dead zones, features of the torpedoes themselves, etc.
+
{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}
−
 
+
<!-- ''Describe the available additional armaments of the ship: depth charges, mines, torpedoes. Talk about their positions, available ammunition and launch features such as dead zones of torpedoes. If there is no additional armament, remove this section.'' -->
−
If there is no torpedo armament, remove this section.-->
+
{{main|Mk.15 (533 mm)|Mk.6 mortar depth charge}}
−
{{main|Mk.15}}
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
−
! colspan = "9" | 533 mm steam turbined Mk.15 torpedo (x10)
+
! colspan="9" | 533 mm steam turbined Mk.15 torpedo (x10)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Mode !! Mass (kg) !! Maximum speed <br> in water (km/h) !! Travel distance (km) !! Depth stroke (m) !! Arming<br>distance (m) !! Explosive type !! Explosive mass (kg)
 
! Mode !! Mass (kg) !! Maximum speed <br> in water (km/h) !! Travel distance (km) !! Depth stroke (m) !! Arming<br>distance (m) !! Explosive type !! Explosive mass (kg)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Stock || rowspan = "2"| 1,559 || 83 || 5.50 || rowspan = "2"| 1.0 || rowspan = "2"| 50 || rowspan = "2"| TNT || rowspan = "2"| 224  
+
| Stock || rowspan="2" | 1,559 || 83 || 5.50 || rowspan="2" | 1.0 || rowspan="2" | 50 || rowspan="2" | TNT || rowspan="2" | 224
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Torpedo mode || 62 || 9.15  
+
| Torpedo mode || 62 || 9.15
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
=== Special armament ===
+
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!--Depth charges, mines, rocket launchers and missiles are also effective in skilled hands and can take an off-guard opponent by surprise. Evaluate the ammunition of this type of armament and rate its performance in combat.-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
* Without load
+
 
−
* 6 x Mk.6 mortar depth charge
+
The Bennion is a powerful American destroyer that is very versatile. There can be 3 main jobs for the Bennion to do:
 +
 
 +
*'''Gunfighter'''
 +
 
 +
With its fast firing armament, it is definitely capable of fighting other destroyers. Load APHE for your main guns, and you can start firing against enemy ships from mid to long range. Try disabling the enemies' engine room or gun turrets to prevent them from escaping or fighting back effectively. You also have ten torpedoes, so you can use them in any tricky situation. Should you be outmatched, try turning away and using a smoke screen to conceal yourself.
 +
 
 +
*'''Anti-air ship'''
 +
 
 +
The Bennion has lots of anti-air weaponry. The deadliest will be your ten Bofors and five 127 mm cannons. Let your AI gunners shoot from long distance using radio fuse HE shells. Once enemy aircraft come close enough, you should either take control of the Bofors or the main guns themselves to deal with enemies. As always, lead your target and take into account your ship's momentum if you need to. The ship can fire all of its anti-aircraft guns when the enemy is directly above the ship. Try turning to the side to allow more guns to fire if the enemy is coming from an angle. The radio-fuse shells will make quick work of any enemy aircraft or at least critically damage them to the point that they will not be able to make their attack run, while the Bofors will chew down many smaller planes.
 +
 
 +
*'''Light craft hunter'''
 +
 
 +
The Bofors also allow the Bennion to hunt PT boats and other small craft very well. From longer distances, use HE or Radio HE shells to try to hit enemy PT boats and deal splash damage to them. Once you move in closer, take command of your Bofors, load their Universal or HE belts, and slice the PT boats to ribbons. For larger gunboats, using your main guns are still an option. Since you are a destroyer, you are armoured enough to be immune to most of their small cannon and machine gun fire. Your main threat at this point is torpedo boats. Try targeting any PT boats that are heading in your direction. PT boats such as the [[LS 3]] and [[G-5]] are dangerous since they are small, fast and can carry 2 torpedoes. Be sure you make your course erratic and hard to hit, and always be ready to change course in the event that you detect an incoming torpedo. Keep in mind, if a torpedo hits: game over.
  
−
== Usage in battles ==
+
In terms of opposition:
−
''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don’t try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
 
 +
* [[BTD-1]]: This plane can carry 2 torpedoes which can kill you very quickly, or can attack you from high altitude with a 2,000 lb bomb. Try prioritizing these aircraft to shoot down first.
 +
* [[SKR-1]]: This patrol ship can shoot very rapidly and deal a lot of damage to your ship. Try engaging it from long range, where your shells will have the advantage.
 +
* Light cruisers: Light cruisers will have better guns that are capable of beating you in a straight-up gun duel. Try avoiding them or disabling their vital parts, or requesting help, or you can attempt a torpedo attack but this is risky and may result in the loss of your vessel before your torpedoes impact.
 +
* PT boats: Certain PT boats who penetrate your line of defences might pose a danger by launching off torpedoes. Use your Bofors to try to mow down any PT boat that gets too close, and always be manoeuvring to dodge.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
 +
 
* Dual-purpose 5-inch guns
 
* Dual-purpose 5-inch guns
−
* Access to proximity-fuze shells for anti-aircraft duties
+
* Access to proximity fuse shells for anti-aircraft duties
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 +
 
* More protected only against fragmentation and shrapnel than against shells
 
* More protected only against fragmentation and shrapnel than against shells
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ship in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ship in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the ship and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Ship-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the ship's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
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[[File:HistoricImage USS Bennion (DD-662) underway.jpg|frameless|right|x200px]]
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[[File:HistoricImage USS Bennion (DD-662) underway.jpg|alt=Featured Image: Historical image of USS Bennion underway on 13 January 1945.|frameless|right|x250px|U.S. Navy destroyer USS Bennion (DD-662) underway on 13 January 1945]]
  
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The Fletcher-class destroyers were conceived as a 2,100 ton class destroyer following the underwhelming construction of the Benson and Gleaves-class destroyers that could not equip a total of five 5-inch guns and ten torpedoes. The design was approved in 27 January 1940 by the Secretary of the Navy, Charles Edison, with construction plans expanded after the Battle of France in Europe when Congress passed the Two-Ocean Navy Act on July 19th, allowing for the construction of 115 destroyers. The Fletcher-class destroyers began construction in October 1941, with eleven shipyards involved in their production.<ref name="McCombUSADestroyers"/>
+
The Fletcher-class destroyers were conceived as a 2,100 ton class destroyer following the underwhelming construction of the Benson and Gleaves-class destroyers that could not equip a total of five 5-inch guns and ten torpedoes. The design was approved in 27 January 1940 by the Secretary of the Navy, Charles Edison, with construction plans expanded after the Battle of France in Europe when Congress passed the Two-Ocean Navy Act on July 19th, allowing for the construction of 115 destroyers. The Fletcher-class destroyers began construction in October 1941, with eleven shipyards involved in their production. By the war's end, 175 Fletcher-class destroyers were produced.<ref name="McCombUSADestroyers" />
  
−
The '''USS Bennion''' was first laid down on 19 March 1943 at the Boston Navy Yard, named after Captain Mervyn S. Bennion, who was killed during the Japanese Pearl Harbor attack on 07 December 1941.<ref name="NavSourceBennion"/> The destroyer, christened by Bennion's widow, was launched on 04 July 1943, and following sea trials was commissioned into service on 14 December 1943 with Joshua W. Cooper in command.<ref name="BennionHisCentral"/> The USS Bennion was put into service in Destroyer Squadron 56 in Destroyer Division 111.<ref name="McCombUSADestroyers"/>
+
The '''USS Bennion''' was first laid down on 19 March 1943 at the Boston Navy Yard, named after Captain Mervyn S. Bennion, who was killed during the Japanese Pearl Harbor attack on 07 December 1941 while commanding the USS West Virginia battleship.<ref name="NavSourceBennion" /> The destroyer, christened by Bennion's widow, was launched on 04 July 1943, and following sea trials was commissioned into service on 14 December 1943 with Joshua W. Cooper in command.<ref name="BennionHisCentral" /> The USS Bennion was put into service in Destroyer Squadron 56 in Destroyer Division 111.<ref name="McCombUSADestroyers" />
  
−
USS Bennion left for the Pacific on 03 March 1944, conducting training around Pearl Harbor until May 29th. From then, the USS Bennion joined the Pacific War as as a fighter director and radar picket ship and saw action at Saipan, Tinian, Guam, Peliliu, Philippines, Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.<ref name="BennionHisCentral"/> At Leyte Gulf, the USS Bennion was involved in the Battle of Surigao Strait, where it assisted with the sinking of the Japanese battleship Yamashiro.<ref name="BennionSurigao"/> For the USS Bennion's actions off of Okinawa, the destroyer received eight battle stars and a presidential unit citation.<ref name="BennionHisCentral"/><ref name="BennionCitation"/>
+
USS Bennion left for the Pacific on 03 March 1944, conducting training around Pearl Harbor until May 29th. From then, the USS Bennion joined the Pacific War as a fighter director and radar picket ship and saw action at Saipan, Tinian, Guam, Peliliu, Philippines, Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.<ref name="BennionHisCentral" /> At Leyte Gulf, the USS Bennion was involved in the Battle of Surigao Strait, where it assisted with the sinking of the Japanese battleship Yamashiro.<ref name="BennionSurigao" /> For the USS Bennion's actions off of Okinawa, the destroyer received eight battle stars and a presidential unit citation.<ref name="BennionHisCentral" /><ref name="BennionCitation" />
  
−
After the war, the USS Bennion was sent to the Puget Sound Navy Yard on 21 October 1945 before being decommissioned on 20 June 1946 and became part of the reserve fleet. USS Bennion was stricken from the register on 15 April 1971 and was sold in 30 May 1973 and broken up for scrap.<ref name="BennionHisCentral"/>
+
After the war, the USS Bennion was sent to the Puget Sound Navy Yard on 21 October 1945 before being decommissioned on 20 June 1946 and became part of the reserve fleet. USS Bennion was stricken from the register on 15 April 1971 and was sold in 30 May 1973 and broken up for scrap.<ref name="BennionHisCentral" />
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 +
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
 
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
<!--Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:
+
<!--''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
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* [[Fletcher (DD-445)]]: Sister ship, the lead ship of the ''Fletcher-class''
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* [[Cowell (DD-547)]]: Sister ship
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;Related development
 +
 
 +
* [[Fletcher (Family)]]
 +
 
 +
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 +
 
 +
* [[USS Aylwin]]
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* [[JDS Harukaze (DD-101)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
<!--Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''encyclopedia page on the ship;''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''-->
+
 
 
* [https://www.historycentral.com/navy/destroyer/Benniondd662.html [History Central<nowiki>]</nowiki> USS Bennion DD 662]
 
* [https://www.historycentral.com/navy/destroyer/Benniondd662.html [History Central<nowiki>]</nowiki> USS Bennion DD 662]
 
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/662.htm [Navsource<nowiki>.org]</nowiki> USS BENNION (DD-662)]
 
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/662.htm [Navsource<nowiki>.org]</nowiki> USS BENNION (DD-662)]
  
 +
=== References ===
 +
<references>
 +
<ref name="McCombUSADestroyers">McComb, Dave, and Paul Wright. ''US Destroyers, 1942-45: Wartime Classes''. Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2010</ref>
 +
<ref name="BennionHisCentral">History Central. "USS Bennion DD 662." History Central, 1999, [https://www.historycentral.com/navy/destroyer/Benniondd662.html Website]</ref>
 +
<ref name="NavSourceBennion">Willshaw, Fred. "USS BENNION (DD-662)." NavSource Naval History, [https://www.navsource.org/archives/05/662.htm Website]</ref>
 +
<ref name="BennionSurigao">Holloway, James L. "Second Salvo at Surigao Strait." U.S. Naval Institute, Oct. 2010, [https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2010/october/second-salvo-surigao-strait Website]</ref>
 +
<ref name="BennionCitation">Parkinson, Bill. "USS Bennion DD 662 Presidential Unit Citation." Destroyer History Foundation, [http://destroyerhistory.org/fletcherclass/ussbennion_puc/ Website]</ref>
 +
</references>
 +
 +
{{ShipManufacturer Boston Navy Yard}}
 
{{USA destroyers}}
 
{{USA destroyers}}
 
{{USA premium ships}}
 
{{USA premium ships}}
−
 
−
<ref name="BennionHisCentral">History Central. "USS Bennion DD 662." History Central, 1999, [https://www.historycentral.com/navy/destroyer/Benniondd662.html Website].</ref>
 
−
<ref name="McCombUSADestroyers">McComb, Dave, and Paul Wright. ''US Destroyers, 1942-45: Wartime Classes''. Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2010.</ref>
 
−
<ref name="NavSourceBennion">Willshaw, Fred. "USS BENNION (DD-662)." NavSource Naval History, [https://www.navsource.org/archives/05/662.htm Website].</ref>
 
−
<ref name="BennionCitation">Parkinson, Bill. "USS Bennion DD 662 Presidential Unit Citation." Destroyer History Foundation, [http://destroyerhistory.org/fletcherclass/ussbennion_puc/ Website].</ref>
 
−
<ref name="BennionSurigao">Holloway, James L. "Second Salvo at Surigao Strait." U.S. Naval Institute, Oct. 2010, [https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2010/october/second-salvo-surigao-strait Website].</ref>
 

Latest revision as of 18:16, 4 November 2024

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
USS Bennion
us_destroyer_fletcher_bennion.png
GarageImage USS Bennion.jpg
USS Bennion
USA flag.png USA
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.7 4.7 4.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game

Description

The Fletcher-class, USS Bennion (DD-662), 1944 is a member of the Fletcher-class destroyers, the first generation of destroyers developed by the U.S. after the disintegration of the Washington and London Naval Treaties during World War II. The Fletcher class was meant to be larger and carry more armament due to dissatisfaction with earlier destroyer classes. She was named for Captain Mervyn S. Bennion, a commander of USS West Virginia who was killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor. She was laid down on 19th March 1943 and commissioned on 14th December 1943. During the Battle of Surigao Strait in October 1944, Bennion torpedoed and sank Japanese Fusō-class battleship Yamashiro. Before the aforementioned battle and also after it, she served as picket ship and fighter director through the Marianas, Philippines, and Iwo Jima and Okinawa campaigns. For her duty, she received the Presidential Unit Citation and was awarded with eight battle stars. She was placed into reserve on 20th June 1946 and sold for scrap many years later on 30th May 1973.

It was introduced in Update 1.79 "Project X" as an Xbox-exclusive vehicle purchasable on the Microsoft Store. As a Fletcher-class destroyer, the USS Bennion resembles its sister ships USS Fletcher and USS Cowell in terms of performance characteristics. The most distinctive differences the USS Bennion has compared to its sisters is its unique dazzle camouflage, following the MS-32/13D design pattern. Compared to its closer relative, the Cowell, the Bennion possesses an extra 5,000 rounds of 40 mm Bofors ammunition.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Main fire tower3 / 3 / 3 mm
Hull16 mm (steel)
Superstructure4 mm (steel)
Number of section7
Displacement2 924 t
Crew273 people

As part of the Fletcher-class family, the USS Bennion's armour profile is not so different from its sisters, with armour plates covering the individual 127 mm gun turrets and primarily hull protection at the sides and roof.

Armour type:

  • Antifragmentation armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour
  • Hardened armour
Armour Bow (Slope angle) Sides Stern Deck
Hull N/A 13 mm (0-24°) N/A 13 mm (85-89°)
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Turrets 3.2 mm Front
15 mm Gun mantlet 		3.2 mm 3.2 mm 3.2 mm

Notes:

  • The fire-control radar atop the bridge is covered with an antifragmentation armour with 19 mm thickness.
  • Gun shields around the 20 mm Oerlikon autocannons are 12.7 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB79 / 31 km/h
RB65 / 25 km/h
Mobility Characteristics
Game Mode Upgrade Status Maximum Speed (km/h) Turn Time (s) Turn Radius (m)
Forward Reverse
AB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 79 31
RB/SB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 65 25

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB2 555 Sl icon.png
RB2 371 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts290 000 Sl icon.png
Aces700 Ge icon.png
Research Aces790 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 270 / 600 / 50 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 154 / 154 / 154 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Seakeeping Unsinkability Firepower
Mods new ship hull.png
Dry-Docking
Mods new ship rudder.png
Rudder Replacement
Mods new ship screw.png
Propeller Replacement
Mods new ship engine.png
Engine Maintenance
Mods ship damage control crew.png
Damage Control Division
Mods ship fire control crew.png
Fire Division
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
Smokescreen
Mods ship anti fragmentation protection.png
Shrapnel Protection
Mods ship venting.png
Ventilation
Mods new ship pumps.png
New Pumps
Mods ship ammo wetting.png
Ammo Wetting
Mods tank ammo.png
127mm_usa_mk32_common_sap_ammo_pack
Mods ammo.png
40 mm HE clips
Mods new aa caliber turrets.png
Anti-Air Armament Targeting
Mods tank ammo.png
127mm_usa_mk46_special_common_sap_ammo_pack
Mods ammo.png
40 mm AP clips
Mods new aux caliber turrets.png
Auxiliary Armament Targeting
Mods he frag proxi fuze ship.png
127mm_usa_mk31_aavt_radio_fuse_ammo_pack
Mods ship rangefinder.png
Improved Rangefinder
Mods new main caliber turrets.png
Primary Armament Targeting
Mods torpedo.png
Torpedo Mode
Mods ship mortar.png
Bomb mortar

Armament

Primary armament

5 х Turret5 inch/38 Mk.12 cannon, mount Mk.30
Ammunition360 rounds
Vertical guidance-15° / 85°
Main article: 5 inch/38 Mk.12 (127 mm)
5 inch/38 Mk.12 (x5)
Turrets (Bow to stern)
Turret 1 Turret 2 Turret 3 Turret 4 Turret 5
Vertical guidance -15°/+85°
Horizontal guidance ±150° ±143° ±150°
Ammo capacity 1,800

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
1,000 m 2,500 m 5,000 m 7,500 m 10,000 m 15,000 m
AAC Mk.34 HE 36 36 36 36 36 36
Common Mk.32 Common 124 103 77 58 46 37
SP Common Mk.46 SP Common 150 125 93 71 56 45
AAVT Mk.31 HE-VT 36 36 36 36 36 36
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(s) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
AAC Mk.34 HE 792 25 0 0.1 3,220 79° 80° 81°
Common Mk.32 Common 792 24.49 0.01 6 1,150 47° 60° 65°
SP Common Mk.46 SP Common 792 25 0.01 6 906.5 48° 63° 71°
Proximity-fused shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(s) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Arming
distance (m) 		Trigger
radius (m) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
AAVT Mk.31 HE-VT 792 25 0 0.1 457 23 3,220 79° 80° 81°

Secondary armament

5 х Turret2 x 40 mm Bofors L/60 Mark 1 gun
Ammunition4000 rounds
Belt capacity4 rounds
Fire rate156 shots/min
Main article: Bofors L/60 Mark 1 (40 mm)
40 mm Bofors L/60 Mark 1 (x10)
Turrets (Bow to stern)
Front port turret (x2) Front starboard turret (x2) Middle port turret (x2) Middle starboard turret (x2) Rear turret (x2)
Vertical guidance -15°/+88° -10°/+88° -15°/+88°
Horizontal guidance -150°/+90° -90°/+150° -180°/+20° -20°/+180° ±180°
Ammo capacity 25,000

Ammunition

  • Universal: AP-T · HEFI-T
  • 40 mm HE clips: HEFI-T · HEFI-T · HEFI-T · AP-T
  • 40 mm AP clips: AP-T · AP-T · AP-T · HEFI-T

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
HEFI-T 3 3 3 3 3 3
AP-T 81 78 68 58 49 41
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HEFI-T 874 0.9 0 0.1 67.13 79° 80° 81°
AP-T 874 0.89 - - - 47° 60° 65°

Anti-aircraft armament

7 х Turret20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II autocannon
Ammunition1800 rounds
Belt capacity60 rounds
Fire rate450 shots/min
Main article: 20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)
20 mm Oerlikon Mk.II (x7)
Turrets (Bow to stern)
Front port turret Middle port turret Front starboard turret Middle starboard turret Rear port turret Rear starboard turret Rear stern turret
Vertical guidance -80°/+65° ±100° -65°/+80° ±100° ±180°
Horizontal guidance -4°/+50°
Ammo capacity 16,800

Additional armament

Setup 110 x 533 mm steam turbined Mk.15 torpedo
Setup 26 x Mk.6 mortar depth charge
Setup 310 x 533 mm steam turbined Mk.15 torpedo
6 x Mk.6 mortar depth charge
Main articles: Mk.15 (533 mm), Mk.6 mortar depth charge
533 mm steam turbined Mk.15 torpedo (x10)
Mode Mass (kg) Maximum speed
in water (km/h) 		Travel distance (km) Depth stroke (m) Arming
distance (m) 		Explosive type Explosive mass (kg)
Stock 1,559 83 5.50 1.0 50 TNT 224
Torpedo mode 62 9.15

Usage in battles

The Bennion is a powerful American destroyer that is very versatile. There can be 3 main jobs for the Bennion to do:

  • Gunfighter

With its fast firing armament, it is definitely capable of fighting other destroyers. Load APHE for your main guns, and you can start firing against enemy ships from mid to long range. Try disabling the enemies' engine room or gun turrets to prevent them from escaping or fighting back effectively. You also have ten torpedoes, so you can use them in any tricky situation. Should you be outmatched, try turning away and using a smoke screen to conceal yourself.

  • Anti-air ship

The Bennion has lots of anti-air weaponry. The deadliest will be your ten Bofors and five 127 mm cannons. Let your AI gunners shoot from long distance using radio fuse HE shells. Once enemy aircraft come close enough, you should either take control of the Bofors or the main guns themselves to deal with enemies. As always, lead your target and take into account your ship's momentum if you need to. The ship can fire all of its anti-aircraft guns when the enemy is directly above the ship. Try turning to the side to allow more guns to fire if the enemy is coming from an angle. The radio-fuse shells will make quick work of any enemy aircraft or at least critically damage them to the point that they will not be able to make their attack run, while the Bofors will chew down many smaller planes.

  • Light craft hunter

The Bofors also allow the Bennion to hunt PT boats and other small craft very well. From longer distances, use HE or Radio HE shells to try to hit enemy PT boats and deal splash damage to them. Once you move in closer, take command of your Bofors, load their Universal or HE belts, and slice the PT boats to ribbons. For larger gunboats, using your main guns are still an option. Since you are a destroyer, you are armoured enough to be immune to most of their small cannon and machine gun fire. Your main threat at this point is torpedo boats. Try targeting any PT boats that are heading in your direction. PT boats such as the LS 3 and G-5 are dangerous since they are small, fast and can carry 2 torpedoes. Be sure you make your course erratic and hard to hit, and always be ready to change course in the event that you detect an incoming torpedo. Keep in mind, if a torpedo hits: game over.

In terms of opposition:

  • BTD-1: This plane can carry 2 torpedoes which can kill you very quickly, or can attack you from high altitude with a 2,000 lb bomb. Try prioritizing these aircraft to shoot down first.
  • SKR-1: This patrol ship can shoot very rapidly and deal a lot of damage to your ship. Try engaging it from long range, where your shells will have the advantage.
  • Light cruisers: Light cruisers will have better guns that are capable of beating you in a straight-up gun duel. Try avoiding them or disabling their vital parts, or requesting help, or you can attempt a torpedo attack but this is risky and may result in the loss of your vessel before your torpedoes impact.
  • PT boats: Certain PT boats who penetrate your line of defences might pose a danger by launching off torpedoes. Use your Bofors to try to mow down any PT boat that gets too close, and always be manoeuvring to dodge.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Dual-purpose 5-inch guns
  • Access to proximity fuse shells for anti-aircraft duties

Cons:

  • More protected only against fragmentation and shrapnel than against shells

History

Featured Image: Historical image of USS Bennion underway on 13 January 1945.

The Fletcher-class destroyers were conceived as a 2,100 ton class destroyer following the underwhelming construction of the Benson and Gleaves-class destroyers that could not equip a total of five 5-inch guns and ten torpedoes. The design was approved in 27 January 1940 by the Secretary of the Navy, Charles Edison, with construction plans expanded after the Battle of France in Europe when Congress passed the Two-Ocean Navy Act on July 19th, allowing for the construction of 115 destroyers. The Fletcher-class destroyers began construction in October 1941, with eleven shipyards involved in their production. By the war's end, 175 Fletcher-class destroyers were produced.[1]

The USS Bennion was first laid down on 19 March 1943 at the Boston Navy Yard, named after Captain Mervyn S. Bennion, who was killed during the Japanese Pearl Harbor attack on 07 December 1941 while commanding the USS West Virginia battleship.[2] The destroyer, christened by Bennion's widow, was launched on 04 July 1943, and following sea trials was commissioned into service on 14 December 1943 with Joshua W. Cooper in command.[3] The USS Bennion was put into service in Destroyer Squadron 56 in Destroyer Division 111.[1]

USS Bennion left for the Pacific on 03 March 1944, conducting training around Pearl Harbor until May 29th. From then, the USS Bennion joined the Pacific War as a fighter director and radar picket ship and saw action at Saipan, Tinian, Guam, Peliliu, Philippines, Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.[3] At Leyte Gulf, the USS Bennion was involved in the Battle of Surigao Strait, where it assisted with the sinking of the Japanese battleship Yamashiro.[4] For the USS Bennion's actions off of Okinawa, the destroyer received eight battle stars and a presidential unit citation.[3][5]

After the war, the USS Bennion was sent to the Puget Sound Navy Yard on 21 October 1945 before being decommissioned on 20 June 1946 and became part of the reserve fleet. USS Bennion was stricken from the register on 15 April 1971 and was sold in 30 May 1973 and broken up for scrap.[3]

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

Related development
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 McComb, Dave, and Paul Wright. US Destroyers, 1942-45: Wartime Classes. Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2010
  2. ↑ Willshaw, Fred. "USS BENNION (DD-662)." NavSource Naval History, Website
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 History Central. "USS Bennion DD 662." History Central, 1999, Website
  4. ↑ Holloway, James L. "Second Salvo at Surigao Strait." U.S. Naval Institute, Oct. 2010, Website
  5. ↑ Parkinson, Bill. "USS Bennion DD 662 Presidential Unit Citation." Destroyer History Foundation, Website


Boston Navy Yard
Gun Destroyers (DD) 
Fletcher-class  USS Bennion · JDS Yūgure (DD-184)*
  *USS Richard P. Leary in Japanese service

USA destroyers
Clemson-class  USS Welborn C. Wood · USS Barker · USS Litchfield
Farragut-class  USS Aylwin
Bagley-class  USS Bagley
Porter-class  USS Porter · USS Phelps · USS Moffett
Somers-class  USS Somers · USS Davis
Fletcher-class  USS Fletcher · USS Bennion · USS Cowell
Allen M. Sumner-class  USS Sumner
Gearing-class  USS Gearing · USS Frank Knox
Mitscher-class  USS Mitscher · USS Wilkinson

USA premium ships
Motor torpedo boats  PT-3 · PT-109 · PT-174 · Thunderbolt (PT-556) · PT-658 · PT-811
Motor gun boats  LCM(6) Zippo · USS Douglas · USS Flagstaff
Sub-chasers  Carmi (PC-466)
Destroyers  USS Welborn C. Wood · USS Wilkinson · USS Bennion · USS Cowell · USS Davis · USS Moffett · USS Phelps · USS Frank Knox
Light cruisers  USS Detroit · USS Helena
Heavy cruisers  USS Des Moines
Battleships  USS Arkansas

Retrieved from "https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=USS_Bennion&oldid=194536"