CUS Collins (DD-1930 (1940-mod))

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The Collins class was the production version of the previous Appalachia class of trials vessels. The CUA naming convention for destroyers and sinilar sized escorts was from this class forward to be named after Governors past of the States and Provinces that make up the Commonwealth Union of America. The propulsion system was much reduced which allowed more room and weight for armament, accomodation and other fitting the trial vessels had done without. The things they did share was the 4" gun as main armament which was mounted on an AA mounting from the start, and the hull was the same high speed shape which was used for three classes of destroyer till the hull needed to be enlarged to carry more turrets.

While the Japanese and Germanic States stayed with the 4.7" and 4.1" (respectively) weapons then the CUA Navy had no need to upgrade from the same 4" 50/cal guns they had been using on destroyers since 1913. The rate of fire and range of the guns made them as good as the other countries weapons of similar size and when coupled with an AA mounting the gun was even better.

By the late 1930's however, this class was showing its age and the armament was no longer comparable to other countries front line destroyers. A refit program to rebuild the ships with the new 4.5" gun system and modern light AA weapons was undertaken on the ships from 1939 with each ship requiring about 7-8 months work. The refurbished ships were a far superior unit to what they had been and were deemed a success with money well spent.

Twin 40mm mount beside the funnel that replaced the 1.1" mounting in the same position.

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