These ships were originally designed as multi-purpose destroyers; in June 1986 they were selected for the TRUMP (Tribal Update & Modernization Program) which completely shifted their focus to AAW. The refit was quite extensive, involving major weapons, sensors, structure, and electronics changes. The “v” funnels were replaced by a single stack. During the refits the ships were also NBC-sealed. Algonquin completed in 1991, Iroquois in 1992, and Athabaskan in 1994. Although Huron was intended to serve until 2015, cutbacks in the navy’s budget forced her premature retirement.

Original Author: Jason W. Henson