USS Stark should be remembered

Submitted by martin garza (United States), Jan 31, 2010 at 01:28

I was on board the USS Conyngham DDG 17 when the USS Stark was hit May 17, 1987. We were out on patrol that week prior to pulling in and anchoring off of Bahrain. We were arriving and the USS Stark was departing. We were waving and standing at attention as we were passing each other. My buddy and I were out and about in Bahrain that day.

On the way back to the ASU compound to catch the bus back to the ship, we were told that USS Stark was hit by a missile. We couldn't believe it. Since my ship was anchored offshore, it left with a skeleton crew because the tug bringing back the sailors from liberty had broken down, Everyone that was left behind was put up on the USS LaSalle (Comideasforce flagship) to be transported to the Conynghan the next morning. We finally arrived in the area of the ships and quickly transfered to my ship. We were told to change quickly and to relieve the other person at our assigned battle stations.

It was not a great sight to see. The USS Conygham had the highest honor to tow her and her crew back to the dry docks of Dubai. I was on Stinger Gunner duty while we towed her back. I had many nightmares in the months to come while serving in the Persian Gulf. ( I was a Stinger Gunner on various ships serving 1 yr. with Comidest Forces)

Like someone mention on msg bd. ' This was the first war.' The commentator is correct. This attack has been forgotten. I too do mentioned to my friends, people I talk with and they don't recall the attack on the USS Stark. I won't ever forget what happened that night. I might not have been on the ship; but I do feel the pain of every sailor that was onboard that night. I will always remember and pray for the entire USS Stark crew.

Take care and God Bless America!

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