Uss Stark Naval Ship Source Bing.com
The USS Stark: A Brief History
The USS Stark was a guided missile frigate in the United States Navy, commissioned in 1982. The ship was named after Admiral Harold Rainsford Stark, who served during World War II. The USS Stark was part of the 4th Fleet and was tasked with patrolling the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War.
Uss Stark On Patrol Source Bing.com
The Exocet Missile: A Deadly Weapon
The Exocet missile is a French-made, sea-skimming, anti-ship missile that can travel at speeds of up to Mach 0.9. It was first introduced in the 1970s and has been used in several conflicts since then, including the Falklands War and the Iran-Iraq War. The missile is highly effective and has been responsible for sinking several naval vessels.
Exocet Missile Source Bing.com
The Attack on the USS Stark
On May 17, 1987, during the Iran-Iraq War, the USS Stark was on patrol in the Persian Gulf. At around 10:00 pm local time, two Iraqi F-1 Mirage fighter jets approached the ship. The pilots had been ordered to attack any enemy ships in the area and had mistaken the USS Stark for an Iranian vessel. The pilots fired two Exocet missiles at the ship, both of which hit the USS Stark.
Damage To The Uss Stark Source Bing.com
The Aftermath of the Attack
The attack on the USS Stark resulted in the deaths of 37 sailors and extensive damage to the ship. The crew members were able to contain the damage and prevent the ship from sinking. The Iraqi government initially denied responsibility for the attack, but later issued a statement expressing regret for the incident. The United States government did not retaliate militarily, but instead imposed economic sanctions on Iraq.
Memorial For The Uss Stark Victims Source Bing.com
The Lessons Learned
The attack on the USS Stark highlighted several issues with the United States Navy’s operations in the Persian Gulf. One of the main issues was the lack of communication between the USS Stark and other naval vessels in the area. There were also concerns about the effectiveness of the ship’s defensive systems and the crew’s training in dealing with missile attacks. As a result of the attack, the Navy implemented several changes to its operations in the region, including improved communication and better training for crews.
Uss Stark Crew Source Bing.com
Conclusion
The attack on the USS Stark was a tragic event that highlighted the dangers of naval operations in conflict zones. The incident also led to several changes in the way the United States Navy operates in the Persian Gulf. While the loss of life was devastating, the lessons learned from the attack have helped to improve the safety and effectiveness of naval operations in the region.
