USS Johnston (DD-821)

• Namesake: USS Johnston (DD-821) was named in honor of Lieutenant Commander Ernest E. Evans, who heroically commanded the first USS Johnston (DD-557) during the Battle off Samar in World War II. • Class and Launch: Johnston was a Gearing-class destroyer, launched on 10 October 1945, and commissioned on 23 March 1946, too late to serve in World War II. • Cold War Service: The ship served extensively during the Cold War, participating in numerous NATO exercises and operations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. • Korean War Patrols: USS Johnston operated off the Korean peninsula, providing naval gunfire support and screening for aircraft carriers during the Korean War era. • Cuban Missile Crisis: The destroyer was part of the naval blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, enforcing the quarantine of Cuba. • FRAM Modernization: Johnston underwent Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) upgrades in the early 1960s, receiving enhanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities. • Vietnam War Operations: The ship saw service off the coast of Vietnam, including plane guarding and shore bombardment roles in support of U.S. and allied forces. • Rescue Missions: USS Johnston participated in several search and rescue operations, including saving downed pilots in the Tonkin Gulf. • Turkish Service: After decommissioning from the U.S. Navy in 1973, Johnston was transferred to Turkey, where she served as TCG Kılıç Ali Paşa (D-349) until 1997. • Legacy: Although less famous than her WWII predecessor, Johnston (DD-821) carried on the proud traditions of her namesake, serving over five decades under two flags before being scrapped.