Torpedoes are designed to attack enemy surface ships. During World War II, destroyers such as CASSIN YOUNG carried 10 torpedoes like these, each weighing 2,215 pounds. A three-man crew programmed the torpedoes' course, speed, and depth. Once fired into the water, the torpedo provided its own propulsion that could carry a 780 pound explosive charge three miles at 45 knots or 7 1/2 miles at 28.5 knots.

It was usually difficult to hit a target with a torpedo, and sometimes torpedoes failed to explode on impact. However, when it worked, a single torpedo could sink a ship.