David Ray (DD 971) - Naval Cruise Book

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United States Ship DAVID R. RAY (DD-971) USS David R. Ray (DD-971) is the ninth SPRUANCE class destroyer and the fifth to join the Pacific Fleet. Homeported in San Diego, California, DAVID R. RAY is assigned to Cruiser-Destroyer Group One and Destroyer Squadron Thirteen. Designed and built by Ingalls Shipbuilding Division of Litton Industries, RAY is a member of the first major class of surface ships in the U.S. Navy to be pow ered by gas turbine engines. Four General Electric LM-2500 engines, marine versions of those used on DC-10 and C-5A aircraft, drive the ship at speeds in excess of 30 knots. Twin controllable-reversible pitch propellers provide RAY with a degree of maneuverability unique among warships of her size. A highly versatile multi-mission destroyer, RAY is capable of operating independently or in company with Amphibious or Carrier Tasl Forces. Her overall length is 563 feet and she displaces 7800 tons. RAY ' s primary mission is to operate offensively in an Antisubmarine Warfare role. RAY ' s sonar, the most advanced underwater detection and fire control system yet developed, is fully integrated into a digital naval tactical data system, providing the ship with faster and more accurate processing of target information. Ship ' s weapons include two MK 45 lightweight 5 inch guns, two triple-barrel MK 32 torpedo tubes, an antisubmarine rocket (ASROC) launcher, and facilities for embarkation of antisubmarine helicopters. The ship ' s missle systems consist of the NATO Seasparrow Missile System, a short range surface to air, defensive weapon and the Harpoon Weapon System which employs a medium range, offensive, surface to surface anti-ship cruise missile. Additionally, the ship is equipped with rapid blooming offboard chaff, a decoy system used in an electronic warfare environment. Although built for maximum combat effectiveness, crew comfort and habitability are an integral part of RAY ' « design. Berthing compartments are spacious and the ship is equipped with amenities not usually found aboard destroyers including a crew ' s library, lounge, hobby shop, and gymnasium. Automated weapons and engineering systems permit operation of the ship, the size of a World War II light cruiser, by a reduced crew of 18 officers, 20 chief petty officers, and 250 enlisted men.