7072 USS NORFOLK DL-1 1953

USS Norfolk (DL-1) was an American destroyer, also classified as a frigate, which was laid down in September 1949, launched in December 1951, and commissioned in 1953. The total length of the ship at the time of launching was 160 m, width 16 m, with a displacement of about 5,600 tons. The maximum speed was up to 32 knots. At the time of the launch, the armament of the unit consisted of: 8 76 mm guns, 16 20 mm AA guns, 4 RUR-4 Weapon Alpha system launchers and 8 533 mm torpedo tubes. The USS Norfolk (DL-1) was originally intended to be the lead unit of a completely new class of ships that could be classified as either light cruisers or destroyers. It was assumed that units of this type would have high ZOP (anti-submarine) capabilities as well as considerable short and very short distances against air targets. Ultimately, however, only the USS Norfolk (DL-1) was built. The vessel was built at the New York Shipbuilding Corporation shipyard. During its service, the unit operated mainly in the Atlantic, and in 1960 it was modernized by adding an ASROC-torpedo launcher. In 1962, it took part in the maritime blockade of Cuba during the Cuban crisis. The unit was decommissioned in 1970.