Destroyer

Destroyer, small, fast naval warship that evolved in the 1890s out of British torpedo boats. In the 2 world wars destroyers were used principally as escorts for convoys and for attacking submarines. Some of the modern destroyers are nuclear-powered and many carry guided missiles. Some carry 1 or 2 helicopters. A new class of destroyer, the Spruance class, displacing 7,800 tons, is replacing some of the World War II destroyers still in service with the U.S. Navy.