The lead ship of the class was the USS Fletcher (DD-445). Her keel was laid on Oct. 2, 1941, she was launched on May 3, 1942, a launch sponsored by Mrs. F. F. Fletcher, widow of Rear Adm.

USS Fletcher, which entered service in 1942 ... The destroyer USS Nicholas (DD-449) escorted troop and supply convoys to Guadalcanal, screened convoys, and conducted anti-submarine missions.