Editing Clemson-class destroyer (section)

==Design evolution==
As finally built, the ''Clemson'' class would be a fairly straightforward expansion of the ''Wickes''-class destroyers.  While the ''Wickes'' class had given good service there was a desire to build a class more tailored towards the anti-submarine role, and as such several design studies were completed, mainly about increasing the ships' range.  These designs included a reduction in speed to between {{convert|26|-|28|kn|lk=in}} by eliminating two boilers, freeing up displacement for [[depth charge]]s and more fuel. This proposal foreshadowed the [[destroyer escort]]s of [[World War II]].<ref>Friedman, pp. 42–44</ref>  
[[File:Clemson-class destroyer inboard and ouboard profiles 1920s.png|thumb|left]]
Upgrading the gun armament from {{convert|4|in|mm|adj=on|0}} to {{convert|5|in|mm|adj=on|0}} guns was also considered, but only five ships (DD-231 to DD-235) were armed with 5-inch guns. In addition, the tapered stern of the ''Wickes''-class destroyers resulted in a large turning radius and a correction to this defect was also sought, although this was not corrected in the final design.  In the end the General Board decided the {{convert|35|kn}} speed be retained so as to allow the ''Clemson'' class to be used as a fleet escort. The pressing need for destroyers overruled any change that would slow production compared to the proceeding ''Wickes'' class.  Wing tanks for [[fuel oil]] were installed on either side of the ships to increase the operational range.<ref name="Friedman, p. 44">Friedman, p. 44</ref>  This design choice meant the fuel oil would be stored above the waterline and create additional vulnerability, but the Navy felt a {{convert|4900|nmi|lk=in|adj=on}} range was worth the risk.<ref name="Friedman, p. 44"/> Additional improvements included provisions for 5-inch guns to be installed at a later date, an enlarged rudder to help reduce the turn radius, and an additional [[3"/23 caliber gun|{{convert|3|in|mm|adj=on|0}} anti-aircraft gun]] on the after deck-house.<ref>Friedman, pp. 44–45</ref>

The class resulted from a [[General Board of the United States Navy|General Board]] recommendation for further destroyers to combat the submarine threat, culminating in a total of 267 ''Wickes''- and ''Clemson''-class destroyers completed. However, the design of the ships remained optimized for operation with the [[battleship]] fleet.<ref>Friedman, p. 40</ref>