User:Ryan Vesey/La Masa class destroyer

The La Masa-class destroyer (also called the Giuseppe La Masa-class destroyer) was a class of destroyers of the Regia Marina. The class was renamed as the Cosenz class torpedo boat in 1929.

The La Masa class was one of three regular destroyer classes built in World War I after 1915. Italy built 3 more classes of flotilla leaders.

History
The La Masa class is one of four similar three-pipe classes built between 1913 and 1919. The others were the Rosolino Pilo-class destroyer, Giuseppe Sirtori-class destroyer, and the Generali-class destroyer. All of the classes were based on the initial Rosolino Pilo class.

In 1929, many Italian destroyers were reclassified as torpedo boats. Later, two ships, Fabrizi and Carini, were reclassified as minesweepers.

Design
The La Masa class measured 241 ft by 24 ft and displaced 785 tons of water. Ships of the class were capable of traveling at 30 kn. Ships were equipped with 6 4-inch guns, 4 17.7 inch torpedo tubes, 2 40 mm AA guns, 2 6.5 mm machine guns, and 10 mines. Most World War I era ships were equipped with anti-aircraft weaponry.