USS Noa (DD-841)

• Namesake: USS Noa (DD-841) was named after Midshipman Loveman Noa, a naval officer who was killed in action in the Philippines during the Philippine–American War in 1901. • Class and Type: USS Noa was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most prolific classes of destroyers built during and after World War II for the United States Navy. • Commissioning: The ship was launched on January 30, 1945, and commissioned on November 2, 1945, just after the end of World War II. • Korean War Service: Although too late for World War II, USS Noa served during the Korean War, performing anti-submarine and escort duties. • Modernization: In 1960, Noa underwent the FRAM I (Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization) overhaul, receiving updated radar, sonar, and anti-submarine weapons. • John Glenn Recovery: USS Noa famously recovered astronaut John Glenn and his Mercury Friendship 7 capsule after his historic orbital spaceflight on February 20, 1962. • Cuban Missile Crisis: Noa was part of the naval quarantine during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, patrolling the Caribbean and helping enforce the blockade. • Vietnam War: The destroyer provided naval gunfire support and conducted search and rescue missions off the coast of Vietnam during the conflict's escalation in the 1960s. • International Service: After decommissioning from the U.S. Navy in 1973, USS Noa was transferred to the Spanish Navy, where she served as Blas de Lezo (D65) until 1988. • Ship Motto: The ship’s motto was "Always Ready," reflecting her versatile service across decades, from the Cold War to the Space Race.