	Allen M. Sumners were designed in 1942 in order to combine, as an interim measure, the new dual 127mmDP mount, and the existing Fletcher class hull. Range, however, proved inadequate, and after 58 were built, the class was replaced by the longer, but otherwise similar Gearing class.
	One of the last Allen M. Sumner class gun destroyers to be built, as the USS Hugh Purvis, Zafer's hangar was removed in favour of an enhanced air defence in the form of two twin Bofors 40mm and a twin 35mm mount.