About this Unit
USS O’Hare (DD/DDR-889) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945, named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Lieutenant Commander Edward “Butch” O’Hare. Initially serving in the Pacific shortly after World War II, O’Hare participated in various Cold War operations, including anti-submarine warfare and NATO exercises. The ship was reclassified as a radar picket destroyer (DDR) in 1949 and reverted to DD-889 in 1963. After a distinguished career, USS O’Hare was decommissioned in 1973 and later transferred to the Spanish Navy, where she served as Méndez Núñez (D-63) until her final decommissioning.
Historical Facts
• Namesake Heroism: USS O'Hare (DD/DDR-889) was named after Lieutenant Commander Edward "Butch" O'Hare, the first US Navy ace of World War II and Medal of Honor recipient, renowned for his daring defense of the aircraft carrier USS Lexington in 1942.
• Gearing-Class Destroyer: The USS O'Hare was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most numerous and versatile classes of destroyers built during and after World War II for the US Navy.
• Commissioning: USS O'Hare was commissioned on 29 November 1945, too late for World War II combat, but she became an important part of the US fleet during the Cold War era.
• Korean War Service: The O'Hare deployed to Korean waters in 1951-1952, providing gunfire support and screening aircraft carriers, earning one battle star for her participation.
• Radar Picket Conversion: In 1953, the ship was converted to a radar picket destroyer (DDR), enhancing her role in early warning and air defense during the height of Cold War tensions.
• Cuban Missile Crisis: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, USS O'Hare was part of the naval blockade, helping to enforce the quarantine of Cuba and monitor Soviet ships.
• Vietnam War Operations: O'Hare operated off the coast of Vietnam, providing naval gunfire support, search-and-rescue, and plane guard duties for aircraft carriers during the Vietnam War.
• Humanitarian Efforts: In 1966, O'Hare participated in rescuing survivors from the collision between the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany and the ammunition ship USS Nitro, demonstrating the crew's readiness in emergencies.
• International Goodwill: The ship made numerous goodwill visits and joint exercises with allied navies in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Pacific, strengthening US naval alliances worldwide.
• Decommissioning and Final Fate: USS O'Hare was decommissioned on 31 October 1973 and transferred to the Spanish Navy, where she served as Méndez Núñez (D-63) until her retirement in 1992.
