The Bronstein (DE/FF) Class

The Bronstein Ocean escort was a response to the development of high speed nuclear submarines in the late 1950s. The class consisted of only two ships and they were radically different from previous US DEs (like other classes about this time these DEs were later redesignated as Frigates) in that they were powered by steam instead of diesels and incorporated a first class ASW weapon system. The original design included the DASH, but with the cancellation of that program, and not enough space for the LAMPS manned helo system, the ships were left with only the SQS 26, ASROC, and MK 32 ASW components. Gun armament was also less than satisfactory. These deficiencies were rectified in the Garcia class.