About this Unit
USS Norris (DD-859) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in June 1945, just before the end of World War II. Although she missed significant combat in WWII, USS Norris served extensively during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support, screening aircraft carriers, and participating in bombardment missions along the Korean coast. Throughout the Cold War era, she operated with the Atlantic Fleet, including deployments to the Mediterranean and participation in NATO exercises. USS Norris was decommissioned in 1970 and later transferred to Turkey, where she served as TCG Kılıç Ali Paşa (D-350) until 1987.
Historical Facts
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Gearing-class Destroyer: USS Norris (DD-859) was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most numerous and successful classes of destroyers built for the U.S. Navy during and after World War II.
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Namesake: The ship was named in honor of Major Benjamin White Norris, a U.S. Marine Corps aviator killed in action during the Battle of Midway in World War II.
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Commissioning: USS Norris was commissioned on 9 June 1945, too late to see action in World War II but in time to serve during the postwar era.
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Korean War Service: The destroyer saw significant action during the Korean War, providing gunfire support, screening aircraft carriers, and participating in blockade and patrol duties.
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Near-Miss at Wonsan: During the Korean War, Norris endured intense enemy fire while operating off Wonsan, North Korea, narrowly avoiding several near misses from shore batteries.
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FRAM Modernization: In the early 1960s, USS Norris underwent the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program, receiving updated anti-submarine warfare equipment and extending her service life.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: Norris participated in the naval blockade ("quarantine") of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, helping to enforce U.S. policy in one of the Cold War's most dangerous moments.
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Mediterranean Deployments: Throughout her service, Norris regularly deployed with the U.S. 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean, supporting NATO operations and American interests during the Cold War.
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Decommissioning and Transfer: After being decommissioned from the U.S. Navy in 1970, USS Norris was transferred to Turkey, where she served as TCG Kocatepe (D354).
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Final Fate: The ship continued to serve the Turkish Navy until she was stricken in 1987 and later scrapped, ending a distinguished four-decade-long career under two flags.
