USS Noa (DD-343)

The USS Noa (DD-343) was a Clemson-class destroyer in the United States Navy. She was named for Lovewell Noyes, a U.S. Navy officer who died in 1918 during the influenza pandemic.

Commissioned in 1922, the Noa served primarily in the Atlantic Fleet, participating in various exercises and training cruises. She also performed duty in the Caribbean and off the coast of Central America.

In 1942, while escorting a convoy off the coast of North Carolina, the Noa was involved in a collision with the troop transport SS Sea Otter. The collision resulted in significant damage to the Noa.

While undergoing repairs, the Noa was reassigned to the Pacific Fleet. However, on October 2, 1944, while serving as a radar picket during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the Noa collided with the high-speed transport USS Breckenridge (APD-176). The Noa was severely damaged and broke in two. Salvage was deemed impractical, and she was sunk by U.S. Navy gunfire on October 5, 1944.