Sailors who lost their lives on USS Stark in Iran-Iraq War honored

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Thirty-seven sailors who died on board the USS Stark 29 years ago will be honored Tuesday for their sacrifice.

The ship was struck by two Iraqi missiles on May 17, 1987. But the efforts of the crew saved the ship, which now sits at Mayport.

Those families and crew members will recount much of what happened on this day 29 years ago. The USS Stark was on patrol in the Arabian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War when two Iraqi missiles struck the ship, causing devastating damage and leaving the ship listing at 16 degrees.

The crew not only fighting back, but worked to save the ship and bring it home. In all, 37 sailors lost their lives.

On Aug. 1, 1987, Mayport’s Memorial Park was established with the dedication of the USS Stark monument. The ship was decommissioned in 1999 and has been there ever since.

The memorial is expected to start around 9 a.m.

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