Minegumo-class destroyer
# Minegumo-class destroyer

The Minegumo-class destroyer is a destroyer class of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, the successor of the Yamagumo class.

This class derived from its predecessor Yamagumo class to be fitted with the QH-50D DASH, the new anti-submarine drone helicopter in return for the removal of the ASROC system. And similarly, it mainly tasked with Anti-submarine warfare. In 1969, after the production of the QH-50D ceased, this class was no longer built and construction of the Yamagumo-class resumed.

The JMSDF considered refitting Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System Mk.1 with the Kaman SH-2 Seasprite helicopter in return for the facility of DASH, but this plan was abandoned because of the problem of cost. Finally, the facility of DASH was removed in 1979-82, and Mk.16 GMLS for the ASROC system was fitted.

Murakumo was refitted in 1978 for use as a gun trials ship. Rear Mk.33 gun was removed and a new OTO Melara 76 mm gun was added.

## Names

| Pennant no. | Name | Shipbuilder | Laid down | Launched | Commissioned | Training Ship Conversion | Decommissioned |
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| DD-116 TV-3509 | Minegumo | Mitsui Shipbuilding, Tamano shipyard | March 14, 1967 | December 16, 1967 | August 31, 1968 | August 1, 1995 | March 18, 1999 |
| DD-117 TV-3510 | Natsugumo | Uraga Heavy Industries | June 26, 1967 | July 25, 1968 | April 25, 1969 | August 1, 1995 | March 18, 1999 |
| DD-118 TV-3511 | Murakumo | Maizuru Heavy Industries | October 19, 1968 | November 15, 1969 | August 21, 1970 | March 16, 1998 | June 18, 2000 |
