Difference between revisions of "USS Gearing"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=us_destroyer_gearing
 
|code=us_destroyer_gearing
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Danger Zone"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is one of 98 [[Gearing (Family)|Gearing-class]] destroyers built for the US Navy near the end of WW2. Laid down in mid 1944, she wouldn't be commissioned until the 3rd of May 1945; meaning she saw only roughly 3 months before the end of hostilities with the Japanese empire. She would go on to serve for nearly 3 decades more, mostly with the Atlantic fleet, notably taking part in the blockade of Cuba during the Cuban missile crisis, before finally being decommissioned in 1973.  
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Danger Zone"]], USS Gearing is one of the best destroyers in War Thunder. With 3x dual mount turrets, she has greater main battery firepower than the [[Fletcher (Family)|Fletcher class]], though with one less dual mount than the [[Porter (Family)|Porter class]]. In exchange, she gains extra anti-fragmentation armour and, as she is in her 1945 refit, one of the greatest anti-aircraft batteries on any destroyer. This comes with the loss of one torpedo launcher compared to the [[USS Frank Knox]], another ship of her class.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}
 
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
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The USS Gearing possesses a surprising amount of armour compared to many destroyers of the same BR. This comes in the form of a main belt of 19mm (3/4 inch) of antifragmentation armour with additional protection around main emplacements and the main rangefinder. The machinery spaces also possess 12mm (1/2 inch) of deck armour to protect again small caliber plunging fire.  
+
USS Gearing, as a late war US destroyer, has very good armour in comparison to destroyers from other nations. This takes the shape of a main armour belt consisting of {{Annotation|0.75 inches|19 mm}} of anti-fragmentation armour. While being unable to stop any fire from other destroyer or cruiser guns such as the commonly found {{Annotation|5-6 inch|127-152 mm}}, it will still drastically reduce the damage done to the internals of the ship from high-explosive shells. This greatly increases the survivability of the ship, especially against Japanese ships such as the [[IJN Shimakaze]] which have no access to any form of {{Annotation|SAP|Semi-Armour Piercing}} or {{Annotation|AP|Armour Piercing}}. The top of the machinery spaces are covered by a layer of {{Annotation|0.5-inch|13 mm}} armour as well, protecting against shrapnel from shells landing higher in the ship. This, in combination with the respectable crew of 336 members, gives her good survivability, some of the best of the USN destroyers, surpassed only by the [[USS Sumner]] and [[Mitscher (Family)| Mitscher-class]] destroyers.
 +
 
 +
The dual mounts, similar to other US destroyers, were designed as dual-purpose, and were therefore unable to be protected by thick armour as this would slow turret traverse. This means the turrets are only lightly covered by {{Annotation|0.125-inch|3.175 mm}} anti-fragmentation armour. Any direct hit from anything larger than a 20 mm will almost definitely knock out the turret, although at least near misses will leave the turret unharmed or with only slight damage.
  
−
Survivability of the ship comes down to two main standout points. The first being the very large crew complement of 336 being over 70 crew larger than the [[USS Fletcher]] at the same BR. This results in the ship being able to take more overall punishment as there is more crew available to replace losses. The second point and the main downfall of this ship is the dangerously exposed ammo elevators under the main guns that if hit may result in a catastrophic ammo explosion. This may be partially avoided by angling the ship so that incoming shells may hit fore or aft of these elevators but this tactic cannot be used every time.  
+
However, the USS Gearing still has one of the issues left over from earlier US destroyers: the rear magazine being elevated near the waterline. This was a necessity to allow room for the propeller shafts in the stern of the ship, but still can have rather explosive consequences. The issue has been alleviated somewhat compared to the earlier [[Porter (Family)|Porter-class]] which are infamous for how easily they are destroyed via this area, but captains should still be wary and avoid fire to the aft of the ship whenever possible.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}
 
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
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The mobility of the USS Gearing is typical of most American destroyers, meaning that it accelerates quickly, turns surprisingly well, and can switch to reverse in a short amount of time. The overall top speed is competitive at its BR, but will still be beaten by the likes of the [[Z25]] or Russian destroyers such as the [[Leningrad]].
+
The mobility of the USS Gearing is typical of most American destroyers, meaning that it accelerates quickly, turns surprisingly well, and can switch to reverse in a short amount of time. The overall top speed is competitive at its BR, but will still be beaten by the likes of the [[Z25]] or Soviet destroyers such as the [[Leningrad]].
  
−
{{NavalMobility}}
+
{{NavalMobility
 +
|SpeedForwardStockAB = 57
 +
|SpeedBackStockAB = 23
 +
|TurnTimeStockAB = 116.9
 +
|TurnSpeedStockAB = 40
 +
}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{main|5 inch/38 Mk.12 (127 mm)}}
 
{{main|5 inch/38 Mk.12 (127 mm)}}
  
−
The 5 inch guns of the USS Gearing are the same as on other American destroyers with its fast fire rate and access to both SAP shells and proximity fuze shells. It should noted that unlike destroyers such as the [[USS Somers]] or [[USS Porter]] the USS Gearing only has 3 twin turrets instead of 4, thus resulting in 25% less main caliber firepower.  
+
The 5-inch guns of the USS Gearing are the same as on other American destroyers, with their fast fire rate and access to both SAP shells and proximity-fused shells. Unlike the destroyers [[USS Somers]] or [[USS Porter]], the USS Gearing only has 3 twin turrets instead of 4, thus resulting in 25% less main calibre firepower.
 +
 
 +
{{: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}}
  
 
=== Secondary armament ===
 
=== Secondary armament ===
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{{main|Bofors L/60 Mark 1 (40 mm)|Bofors L/60 Mark 2 (40 mm)}}
 
{{main|Bofors L/60 Mark 1 (40 mm)|Bofors L/60 Mark 2 (40 mm)}}
  
−
The USS Gearing has some of the strongest secondary armament of any American destroyer with a total of 12 40mm Bofors that can completely shred any aircraft at medium range and disregard any small boat that is foolish to come close. These cannons can also make quick work of exposed modules on destroyers at close range which makes neutralizing even easier for the captain of this ship.  
+
The USS Gearing has a very strong secondary armament, with a total of 16 x 40 mm Bofors cannons that can completely shred any aircraft at medium range and obliterate any small boat that would come too close. These cannons can also make quick work of exposed modules on destroyers at close range. Compared to other [[Gearing (Family)|Gearing-class]] destroyers, USS Gearing is in her 1945 fit. As enemy air attack was more of a threat, one of the quintuple torpedo launchers was replaced with a quadruple 40 mm Bofors mount, giving her a much more substantial medium anti-aircraft battery, the most of any other American bluewater destroyer.
 +
 
 +
* '''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}}
 +
* '''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}}
 +
 
 +
{{:Bofors L/60 Mark 1 (40 mm)/Ammunition|HEFI-T, AP-T}}
  
 
=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
 
=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
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{{main|20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)}}
  
−
The short range AA of the USS Gearing is made up of no less than 11 20mm Oerlikon autocannons. These can quickly handle most close range threats without much issue but be aware that their range is limited so if they start firing then lookout for closing threats.  
+
The short range AA of the USS Gearing is made up of no less than 11 x 20 mm Oerlikon autocannons. These can quickly handle most close range threats, but their range is limited, so if they start firing then look out for closing threats.
  
 
=== Additional armament ===
 
=== Additional armament ===
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{{main|Mk.6 mortar depth charge|Mk.15 (533 mm)}}
 
{{main|Mk.6 mortar depth charge|Mk.15 (533 mm)}}
  
−
The USS Gearing is capable of carrying both 10 [[Mk.15 (533 mm)|Mk.15]] Torpedoes and 24 [[Mk.6 depth charge|Mk.6]] Depth Charges. The torpedoes are effective at close range with a powerful warhead consisting of 224kg of TNT however their limited range of 5.50km (9.15km with Torpedo Mode) can limit their utility on larger maps prevalent at higher BRs. The depth charges are dropped from the back of ship and as such are only useful in the event of an opponent being directly behind the ship. This is a very rare event even at low BRs so carrying these exposed drums of TNT is not recommended except in the most niche of circumstances.  
+
The USS Gearing is capable of carrying both 10 x 533 mm Mk.15 Torpedoes and 24 x Mk.6 depth charges. The torpedoes are effective at close range with a powerful warhead consisting of 224 kg of TNT, however their limited range of 5.50 km (9.15 km with Torpedo Mode) can limit their utility on larger maps prevalent at higher BRs.
 +
 
 +
The depth charges are dropped from the back of the ship and as such are only useful in the event of an opponent being directly behind the ship. This is a very rare event even at low BRs so carrying these exposed drums of TNT is not recommended.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
−
The USS Gearing as with most American destroyers can be played aggressively as the fast firing 5 inch guns and powerful 40mms can shred most opponents with ease and the large crew count allows for punishment to be take in return. It is recommended to release torpedoes early in the match to prevent them from being detonated later in the match.  
+
The USS Gearing can be played aggressively as the fast firing 5-inch guns and powerful 40 mm cannons can shred most opponents with ease and the large crew count allows for punishment to be taken in return. It is recommended to release torpedoes early in the match to prevent them from being detonated later in the match.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!-- ''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:'''
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<!-- ''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:'''
  
 
* Very powerful close and medium AA armament
 
* Very powerful close and medium AA armament
−
* Large crew complement for a destroyer for longer survivability  
+
* Large crew complement for a destroyer for longer survivability
−
* Fast firing 5 inch guns that should be familiar to American captains
+
* Fast firing 5-inch guns
−
* Good antifragmentation protection
+
* Good antifragmentation armour
−
 
 
−
*
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 
* Torpedoes have a relatively short range even with torpedo mode activated
 
* Torpedoes have a relatively short range even with torpedo mode activated
−
* Only 6 main guns compared to most American destroyers with 8
+
* Only 6 main guns, compared to most American destroyers with 8
−
* Can be easily destroyed by an ammorack caused by SAP and APHE shots
+
* Can be easily destroyed by an ammo rack detonation caused by SAP and APHE shots
−
 
 
−
*
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
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'''FRAM I Upgrades'''
 
'''FRAM I Upgrades'''
  
−
During the 1960s, USS Gearing received the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) 1 upgrades. This converted the Gearing from a primarily anti aircraft destroyer into a dedicated anti submarine warfare destroyer. Modifications include the new advanced sonar, the ASROC anti-submarine torpedo launcher (also capable of launching nuclear depth charges), the Mk.44 torpedo and the DASH anti-submarine helicopter which had a range of 35km as well as the hangar and facilities needed to maintain it.
+
During the 1960s, USS Gearing received the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) 1 upgrades. This converted the Gearing from a primarily anti-aircraft destroyer into a dedicated anti-submarine warfare destroyer. Modifications include the new advanced sonar, the ASROC anti-submarine torpedo launcher (also capable of launching nuclear depth charges), the Mk.44 torpedo and the DASH anti-submarine helicopter which had a range of 35 km as well as the hangar and facilities needed to maintain it.
  
 
'''Service History'''
 
'''Service History'''
  
−
USS Gearing was commissioned a few months before the end of WW2 and trained crews for other destroyers until early October of 1945. Her immediate postwar career was spent in peacetime operations on the Atlantic side of the Americas before sailing into the Mediterranean in 1947 until 1948. Gearing would then operate around the Caribbean before taking part in Operation Frostbite, sailing into the Arctic to test and develop cold water techniques and equipment before returning to operate in the Caribbean and Mediterranean until 1961 when she took part in the negotiations for the Santa Maria hijacking. In the following year, Gearing would take part in the blockade of Cuba before moving on to operate in the Atlantic when diplomatic negotiation ended the crisis. After receiving the FRAM I upgrades she would continue her normal operations.
+
USS Gearing was commissioned a few months before the end of WW2 and trained crews for other destroyers until early October 1945. Her immediate postwar career was spent in peacetime operations on the Atlantic side of the Americas before sailing into the Mediterranean in 1947 until 1948. Gearing would then operate around the Caribbean before taking part in Operation Frostbite, sailing into the Arctic to test and develop cold water techniques and equipment before returning to operate in the Caribbean and Mediterranean until 1961 when she took part in the negotiations for the Santa Maria hijacking. In the following year, Gearing would take part in the blockade of Cuba before moving on to operate in the Atlantic when diplomatic negotiation ended the crisis. After receiving the FRAM I upgrades she would continue her normal operations.
  
−
Gearing would be decommissioned in 1973 and then sold for scrap the following year.
+
USS Gearing would be decommissioned in 1973 and then sold for scrap the following year.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
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 +
;Skins
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 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_destroyer_gearing Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Photos
 
;Photos
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
 +
;[[Gearing (Family)|Related development]]
 +
* [[USS Frank Knox]]
 +
 +
;Other ships of similar configuration and role
 
* [[USS Sumner]]
 
* [[USS Sumner]]
−
* [[IJN Akizuki]]
 
 
* [[Z43]]
 
* [[Z43]]
 
* [[HMAS Tobruk]]
 
* [[HMAS Tobruk]]
 +
* [[IJN Akizuki]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Latest revision as of 23:47, 16 May 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
USS Gearing
us_destroyer_gearing.png
GarageImage USS Gearing.jpg
ArtImage USS Gearing.png
USS Gearing
USA flag.png USA
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.7 4.7 4.7
Class:
Research:11 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:22 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Gearing-class, USS Gearing (DD-710), 1945 is one of 98 Gearing-class destroyers built for the US Navy near the end of WW2. Laid down in mid 1944, she wouldn't be commissioned until the 3rd of May 1945; meaning she saw only roughly 3 months before the end of hostilities with the Japanese empire. She would go on to serve for nearly 3 decades more, mostly with the Atlantic fleet, notably taking part in the blockade of Cuba during the Cuban missile crisis, before finally being decommissioned in 1973.

Introduced in Update "Danger Zone", USS Gearing is one of the best destroyers in War Thunder. With 3x dual mount turrets, she has greater main battery firepower than the Fletcher class, though with one less dual mount than the Porter class. In exchange, she gains extra anti-fragmentation armour and, as she is in her 1945 refit, one of the greatest anti-aircraft batteries on any destroyer. This comes with the loss of one torpedo launcher compared to the USS Frank Knox, another ship of her class.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Main fire tower3 / 3 / 3 mm
Hull16 mm (steel)
Superstructure4 mm (steel)
Number of section7
Displacement3 460 t
Crew336 people

USS Gearing, as a late war US destroyer, has very good armour in comparison to destroyers from other nations. This takes the shape of a main armour belt consisting of 0.75 inches of anti-fragmentation armour. While being unable to stop any fire from other destroyer or cruiser guns such as the commonly found 5-6 inch, it will still drastically reduce the damage done to the internals of the ship from high-explosive shells. This greatly increases the survivability of the ship, especially against Japanese ships such as the IJN Shimakaze which have no access to any form of SAP or AP. The top of the machinery spaces are covered by a layer of 0.5-inch armour as well, protecting against shrapnel from shells landing higher in the ship. This, in combination with the respectable crew of 336 members, gives her good survivability, some of the best of the USN destroyers, surpassed only by the USS Sumner and Mitscher-class destroyers.

The dual mounts, similar to other US destroyers, were designed as dual-purpose, and were therefore unable to be protected by thick armour as this would slow turret traverse. This means the turrets are only lightly covered by 0.125-inch anti-fragmentation armour. Any direct hit from anything larger than a 20 mm will almost definitely knock out the turret, although at least near misses will leave the turret unharmed or with only slight damage.

However, the USS Gearing still has one of the issues left over from earlier US destroyers: the rear magazine being elevated near the waterline. This was a necessity to allow room for the propeller shafts in the stern of the ship, but still can have rather explosive consequences. The issue has been alleviated somewhat compared to the earlier Porter-class which are infamous for how easily they are destroyed via this area, but captains should still be wary and avoid fire to the aft of the ship whenever possible.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB78 / 31 km/h
RB64 / 25 km/h

The mobility of the USS Gearing is typical of most American destroyers, meaning that it accelerates quickly, turns surprisingly well, and can switch to reverse in a short amount of time. The overall top speed is competitive at its BR, but will still be beaten by the likes of the Z25 or Soviet destroyers such as the Leningrad.

Mobility Characteristics
Game Mode Upgrade Status Maximum Speed (km/h) Turn Time (s) Turn Radius (m)
Forward Reverse
AB Stock 57 23 ~116.9 ~206.72
Upgraded 78 31 ___ ___
RB/SB Stock ___ ___ ___ ___
Upgraded 64 25 ___ ___

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 539 → 2 000 Sl icon.png
RB2 441 → 3 173 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications10 420 Rp icon.png
13 840 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost750 Ge icon.png
Crew training6 300 Sl icon.png
Experts22 000 Sl icon.png
Aces250 Ge icon.png
Research Aces220 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
140 / 330 / 100 % Sl icon.png
124 / 124 / 124 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Seakeeping Unsinkability Firepower
Mods new ship hull.png
Dry-Docking
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship rudder.png
Rudder Replacement
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
520 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship screw.png
Propeller Replacement
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
570 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship engine.png
Engine Maintenance
Research:
680 Rp icon.png
Cost:
900 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png
Mods ship damage control crew.png
Damage Control Division
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods ship fire control crew.png
Fire Division
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
520 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
Smokescreen
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
520 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods ship anti fragmentation protection.png
Shrapnel Protection
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
570 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods ship venting.png
Ventilation
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
570 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship pumps.png
New Pumps
Research:
680 Rp icon.png
Cost:
900 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png
Mods ship ammo wetting.png
Ammo Wetting
Research:
680 Rp icon.png
Cost:
900 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
127mm_usa_mk32_common_sap_ammo_pack
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
40 mm HE clips
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods new aa caliber turrets.png
Anti-Air Armament Targeting
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
127mm_usa_mk46_special_common_sap_ammo_pack
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
520 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
40 mm AP clips
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
520 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods new aux caliber turrets.png
Auxiliary Armament Targeting
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
520 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods he frag proxi fuze ship.png
127mm_usa_mk31_aavt_radio_fuse_ammo_pack
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
570 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods ship rangefinder.png
Improved Rangefinder
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
570 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods new main caliber turrets.png
Primary Armament Targeting
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
570 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods ship mortar.png
Bomb mortar
Research:
680 Rp icon.png
Cost:
900 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png
Mods torpedo.png
Torpedo Mode
Research:
680 Rp icon.png
Cost:
900 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png

Armament

Primary armament

3 х Turret2 x 5 inch/38 Mk.12 cannon, mount Mk.38
Ammunition720 rounds
Vertical guidance-15° / 85°
Main article: 5 inch/38 Mk.12 (127 mm)

The 5-inch guns of the USS Gearing are the same as on other American destroyers, with their fast fire rate and access to both SAP shells and proximity-fused shells. Unlike the destroyers USS Somers or USS Porter, the USS Gearing only has 3 twin turrets instead of 4, thus resulting in 25% less main calibre firepower.

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

2 х Turret2 x 40 mm Bofors L/60 Mark 1 gun
Ammunition4000 rounds
Belt capacity4 rounds
Fire rate156 shots/min
3 х Turret4 x 40 mm Bofors L/60 Mark 2 gun
Ammunition8000 rounds
Belt capacity4 rounds
Fire rate156 shots/min
Main articles: Bofors L/60 Mark 1 (40 mm), Bofors L/60 Mark 2 (40 mm)

The USS Gearing has a very strong secondary armament, with a total of 16 x 40 mm Bofors cannons that can completely shred any aircraft at medium range and obliterate any small boat that would come too close. These cannons can also make quick work of exposed modules on destroyers at close range. Compared to other Gearing-class destroyers, USS Gearing is in her 1945 fit. As enemy air attack was more of a threat, one of the quintuple torpedo launchers was replaced with a quadruple 40 mm Bofors mount, giving her a much more substantial medium anti-aircraft battery, the most of any other American bluewater destroyer.

  • 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

11 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)

The short range AA of the USS Gearing is made up of no less than 11 x 20 mm Oerlikon autocannons. These can quickly handle most close range threats, but their range is limited, so if they start firing then look out for closing threats.

Additional armament

Setup 15 x 533 mm steam turbined Mk.15 torpedo
Setup 224 x Mk.6 mortar depth charge
Setup 35 x 533 mm steam turbined Mk.15 torpedo
6 x Mk.6 mortar depth charge
Main articles: Mk.6 mortar depth charge, Mk.15 (533 mm)

The USS Gearing is capable of carrying both 10 x 533 mm Mk.15 Torpedoes and 24 x Mk.6 depth charges. The torpedoes are effective at close range with a powerful warhead consisting of 224 kg of TNT, however their limited range of 5.50 km (9.15 km with Torpedo Mode) can limit their utility on larger maps prevalent at higher BRs.

The depth charges are dropped from the back of the ship and as such are only useful in the event of an opponent being directly behind the ship. This is a very rare event even at low BRs so carrying these exposed drums of TNT is not recommended.

Usage in battles

The USS Gearing can be played aggressively as the fast firing 5-inch guns and powerful 40 mm cannons can shred most opponents with ease and the large crew count allows for punishment to be taken in return. It is recommended to release torpedoes early in the match to prevent them from being detonated later in the match.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very powerful close and medium AA armament
  • Large crew complement for a destroyer for longer survivability
  • Fast firing 5-inch guns
  • Good antifragmentation armour

Cons:

  • Torpedoes have a relatively short range even with torpedo mode activated
  • Only 6 main guns, compared to most American destroyers with 8
  • Can be easily destroyed by an ammo rack detonation caused by SAP and APHE shots

History

Design and Construction

Design work of the Gearing class started with the preceding Sumner class, which were themselves a modified Fletcher incorporating the new twin high angle twin mounts for the 5"/38 calbre guns. The Gearing design mainly evolves from the Sumner by increasing the length of the hull by 4.3 metres, allowing greater fuel storage and therefore increased range. The higher beam to length ratio also increased the top speed, most of the ships in the class achieving 36 knots. USS Gearing herself was commissioned on May 3rd 1945.

FRAM I Upgrades

During the 1960s, USS Gearing received the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) 1 upgrades. This converted the Gearing from a primarily anti-aircraft destroyer into a dedicated anti-submarine warfare destroyer. Modifications include the new advanced sonar, the ASROC anti-submarine torpedo launcher (also capable of launching nuclear depth charges), the Mk.44 torpedo and the DASH anti-submarine helicopter which had a range of 35 km as well as the hangar and facilities needed to maintain it.

Service History

USS Gearing was commissioned a few months before the end of WW2 and trained crews for other destroyers until early October 1945. Her immediate postwar career was spent in peacetime operations on the Atlantic side of the Americas before sailing into the Mediterranean in 1947 until 1948. Gearing would then operate around the Caribbean before taking part in Operation Frostbite, sailing into the Arctic to test and develop cold water techniques and equipment before returning to operate in the Caribbean and Mediterranean until 1961 when she took part in the negotiations for the Santa Maria hijacking. In the following year, Gearing would take part in the blockade of Cuba before moving on to operate in the Atlantic when diplomatic negotiation ended the crisis. After receiving the FRAM I upgrades she would continue her normal operations.

USS Gearing would be decommissioned in 1973 and then sold for scrap the following year.

Media

Skins
Photos

  • USS Gearing (DD-710) underway in 1964.

  • The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Gearing (DD-710) in heavy seas in the Atlantic.

Videos
USS Gearing - Guide 157 - Drachinifel

See also

Related development
Other ships of similar configuration and role

External links


Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company
Gun Destroyers (DD) 
Somers-class  USS Somers
Fletcher-class  USS Fletcher
Allen M. Sumner-class  USS Sumner
Gearing-class  USS Gearing
Cruiser, Light (CL) 
Atlanta-class  USS Atlanta

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

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