Evarts Class Destroyer Escort DE (x1)

Model kit of a Evarts Class Destroyer Escort (DE) x 1
Includes 3D printed parts, photoetch fret, decals and brass parts.

The concept of a mass produced escort vessel was introduced in mid 1939 by the United States Navy. Several designs were developed, but all were eventually rejected and the authorized construction of 50 escort vessels was cancelled in early 1941.  However, a subsequent request by the British government for additional ocean escorts led to the development of what became known as the “destroyer escort”.  A Gibbs & Cox design, following British Admiralty specifications, resulted in the Evarts class.  The Gibbs & Cox design borrowed much from the Royal Navy Hunt class of escorts.

The Evarts class measured 289 feet 5 inches long and were to be known as the “short hull” destroyer escort.  Later classes all measured 306 feet long and were called “long hull” destroyer escorts. The main armament comprised of three 3-inch/50 caliber MK 21 dual purpose guns. The secondary armament was originally one quad 1.1-inch anti-aircraft gun.  This was eventually replaced by the more effective 40mm Bofors gun.  A total of nine 20mm single Oerlikons were also fitted.  Anti-submarine weapons consisted of two depth charge release racks at the stern, 8 depth charge K-guns amidships and a Hedgehog mortar forward.

The first four Evarts were sent to Britain, so USS Evarts was designated DE-5.  However, USS Brennan, DE-13, was technically the first one to be launched on August 22, 1942.  A total of 97 Evarts class ships were built, with 32 going to the Royal Navy.  The Royal Navy lost six ships while the US Navy lost none during the war.