Difference between revisions of "USS Bennion"

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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. 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].
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. 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 possess an extra 5,000 rounds of 40 mm Bofors ammunition.
+
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 possess an extra 5,000 rounds of 40 mm Bofors ammunition.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 14: Line 14:
 
{{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.'' -->
−
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.
+
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:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
* Antifragmentation armour
 
* Antifragmentation armour
 
* Cast homogeneous armour
 
* Cast homogeneous armour
 
* Hardened armour
 
* Hardened armour
 +
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
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.
Line 55: Line 58:
 
! colspan="6" | [[5 inch/38 Mk.12 (127 mm)|5 inch/38 Mk.12]] (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
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 139: Line 142:
 
! colspan="6" | [[Bofors L/60 Mark 1 (40 mm)|40 mm Bofors L/60 Mark 1]] (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
Line 150: Line 153:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! scope="row" | Ammo capacity
 
! scope="row" | Ammo capacity
−
| colspan = "6" | 25,000
+
| colspan="6" | 25,000
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
 +
 
* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
 
* '''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 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}}
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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
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| 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
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The Bennion is a powerful American destroyer that is very versatile. There can be 3 main jobs for the Cowell to do:
 
The Bennion is a powerful American destroyer that is very versatile. There can be 3 main jobs for the Cowell to do:
 +
 
*'''Gunfighter'''
 
*'''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.
+
 
 +
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'''
 
*'''Anti-air ship'''
−
The Cowell has lots of anti-air weaponry. The deadliest will be your ten Bofors and five 127mm 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.
+
 
 +
The Cowell 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'''
 
*'''Light craft hunter'''
 +
 
The Bofors also allow the Cowell 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 targetting 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.
 
The Bofors also allow the Cowell 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 targetting 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:
 
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.
 
* [[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.
+
* [[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.
+
* 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.
−
* 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
+
* 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 ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
 +
 
* Dual-purpose 5-inch guns
 
* Dual-purpose 5-inch guns
 
* Access to proximity-fuze shells for anti-aircraft duties
 
* Access to proximity-fuze 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
  
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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]]
 
[[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]]
  
−
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 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 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"/>
+
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 ==
Line 250: Line 261:
  
 
;[[Fletcher (Family)|Related development]]
 
;[[Fletcher (Family)|Related development]]
 +
 
* [[USS Fletcher]] - Sister ship, the lead ship of the Fletcher-class
 
* [[USS Fletcher]] - Sister ship, the lead ship of the Fletcher-class
 
* [[USS Cowell]] - Sister ship
 
* [[USS Cowell]] - Sister ship

Revision as of 00:00, 28 October 2022

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 premium gift rank III American destroyer with a battle rating of 4.7 (AB/RB/SB). 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 possess 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
(m) 		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

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 Cowell 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 Cowell 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 Cowell 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 targetting 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.
  • 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-fuze 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

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

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