Page "Escort destroyer" Paragraph 0

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.