Chikugo class destroyer escort

Class overview
Name:	Chikugo class
Operators:	Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
In commission:	1971–2003
Completed:	11
Retired:	11
General characteristics
Type:	Destroyer escort
Displacement:	1,700–1,800 long tons (1,727–1,829 t) full load
Complement:	165
Armament:	• 2 × 3"/50 caliber guns • 2 × 40 mm AA guns • 1 × ASROC ASW rocket launcher • 2 × Type 68 Triple 324 mm (13 in) ASW torpedo tubes

The Chikugo class destroyer escort (or frigate) of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force is the successor of Isuzu class, with the same ASW mission. This class was followed by JDS Ishikari. This is the first post World War II Japanese destroyer escort to carry ASROC ASW missiles.

Ships in the class

Pennant no.	Name	Laid down	Launched	Commissioned	Decommissioned
DE-215	Chikugo		January 13, 1970	July 31, 1971	April 15, 1996
DE-216	Ayase		September 16, 1970	May 20, 1971	August 1, 1996
DE-217	Mikuma		February 16, 1971	August 26, 1971	July 8, 1997
DE-218	Tokachi		November 25, 1971	May 17, 1972	April 15, 1998
DE-219	Iwase		June 29, 1972	December 12, 1972	October 16, 1998
DE-220	Chitose		January 25, 1973	August 31, 1973	April 13, 1999
DE-221	Niyodo		August 28, 1973	February 28, 1974	June 24, 1999
DE-222	Teshio		May 29, 1974	January 10, 1975	June 27, 2000
DE-223	Yoshino		August 22, 1974	February 6, 1975	May 15, 2001
DE-224	Kumano		February 24, 1975	November 19, 1975	May 18, 2001
DE-225	Noshiro		December 23, 1976	June 30, 1977	March 13, 2003