Escort destroyer

A Escort Destroyer (DDE) is a US Navy post World War II classification for destroyers (DD) modified for and assigned to a fleet escort role. These destroyers retained their original hull numbers. Later, in March 1950, the post WWII ASW destroyer (DDK) classification was merged with the DDE classification, resulting in all DDK ships being reclassified as DDE, but again retaining their original hull numbers.

Similar modifications were made by the Royal Navy, usually to older, World War I era vessels, to fit them for specific tasks such as convoy work.

Escort Destroyers should not be confused with the cheaper, slower, less capable, and more lightly armed WWII Destroyer Escorts

On 30 June 1962 the DDE classification was retired and all DDEs were reclassified as destroyers (DD).