DESRONs The US Navy’s Tactical Grouping of Surface Combatants is about one thing: The US Navy’s Destroyer Squadron, also known as DESRON, is a tactical grouping of destroyers, frigates, and other surface combatant ships. DESRONs are typically composed of multiple ships, and their primary mission is to provide fleet support for naval operations around the world. In this blog, we will discuss the roles and functions of DESRONs, provide a list of current DESRONs, and highlight some of the ships that are part of these squadrons.

Desron 15 Arleigh Burke Destroyer Squadron US Navy Shirt
Desron 15 Arleigh Burke Destroyer Squadron US Navy Shirt

Roles and Functions of DESRONs

DESRONs are responsible for a wide range of roles and functions within the US Navy. Some of their primary roles include:

  1. Anti-Submarine Warfare: DESRONs are often tasked with locating and tracking enemy submarines using advanced sonar and radar systems. They also employ specialized weapons and tactics to neutralize these threats.
  2. Air Defense: DESRONs are equipped with advanced missile defense systems and are responsible for protecting their assigned ships from incoming missile threats.
  3. Surface Warfare: DESRONs are responsible for engaging enemy surface combatants using a variety of weapons systems, including missiles and guns.
Tin Can Sailor US Navy Challenge Coin
Tin Can Sailor US Navy Challenge Coin
  1. Maritime Interception Operations: DESRONs work to enforce maritime law and interdict illegal activities such as piracy and smuggling.
  2. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief: DESRONs are often called upon to provide assistance in times of natural disasters or humanitarian crises, providing aid to those in need.

List of DESRONs

There are currently six active DESRONs in the US Navy, each with its own area of responsibility:

  1. DESRON 1: Pacific Fleet
  2. DESRON 2: Atlantic Fleet
  3. DESRON 7: Pacific Fleet
  4. DESRON 15: Pacific Fleet
  1. DESRON 21: Pacific Fleet
  2. DESRON 26: Atlantic Fleet

Ships in DESRONs

DESRONs consist of a variety of surface combatant ships, including destroyers, frigates, and cruisers.

Heavy Damage US Navy Guided Missile Destroyer Sticker
Heavy Damage US Navy Guided Missile Destroyer Sticker

The specific ships assigned to each DESRON can vary over time, but here are some examples of ships that are currently part of the various squadrons:

DESRON 1:

  • USS Momsen (DDG-92)
  • USS Sterett (DDG-104)
  • USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112)
  • USS Rafael Peralta (DDG-115)

DESRON 2:

  • USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51)
  • USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109)
  • USS Cole (DDG-67)
  • USS Hue City (CG-66)

DESRON 7:

  • USS Mustin (DDG-89)
  • USS Barry (DDG-52)
  • USS Shoup (DDG-86)

DESRON 15:

  • USS Dewey (DDG-105)
  • USS Spruance (DDG-111)
  • USS John S. McCain (DDG-56)

DESRON 21:

  • USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG-108)
  • USS John Finn (DDG-113)
  • USS Daniel Inouye (DDG-118)

DESRON 26:

  • USS Gonzalez (DDG-66)
  • USS Mitscher (DDG-57)
  • USS Leyte Gulf (CG-55)

Conclusion

DESRONs play a vital role in the US Navy’s ability to project power around the world. These tactical groupings of destroyers, frigates, and other surface combatant ships provide a wide range of capabilities, from anti-submarine warfare to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. With six active DESRONs, the US Navy is well-positioned to respond to a variety of threats and challenges.

For more information about DESRONs The US Navy’s Tactical Grouping of Surface Combatants please email us at hq@navycrow.com.