MILITARY

Remembering the USS Stark attack

The USS Stark with smoke still rising from fires on board. The ship was struck by two Iraqi missiles on May 17, 1987, in the Persian Gulf.From the U.S. Navy/Times-Union archives
The USS Stark with smoke still rising from fires on board. The ship was struck by two Iraqi missiles on May 17, 1987, in the Persian Gulf.From the U.S. Navy/Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Relatives of USS Stark crewmember Michael Nelson hold candles as they await word on his fate. From left: sister Stella Williamson, friend Amy Decatur, Williamson's daughter, Maria, 4. In Columbus, OH, May 19, 1987.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
Relatives of USS Stark crewmember Michael Nelson hold candles as they await word on his fate. From left: sister Stella Williamson, friend Amy Decatur, Williamson's daughter, Maria, 4. In Columbus, OH, May 19, 1987.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
An honor guard salutes as the National Anthem is played at Dover Air Force Base, May 26, 1987. The coffins hold the remains of the crew members killed on the Stark.Times-Union archives
An honor guard salutes as the National Anthem is played at Dover Air Force Base, May 26, 1987. The coffins hold the remains of the crew members killed on the Stark.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
U.S. sailors carry a coffin of one of the victims of the Iraqi missile attack on the frigate USS Stark. The coffins were airlifted to West Germany a few days after the May 17, 1987, attack.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
U.S. sailors carry a coffin of one of the victims of the Iraqi missile attack on the frigate USS Stark. The coffins were airlifted to West Germany a few days after the May 17, 1987, attack.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
President Ronald Reagan asks a question during a Situation Room briefing on the condition of the Stark, May 18, 1987.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
President Ronald Reagan asks a question during a Situation Room briefing on the condition of the Stark, May 18, 1987.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
An official Navy photo of the USS Stark as smoke rises from where it was struck by two Iraqi missiles.From the U.S. Navy/Times-Union archives
An official Navy photo of the USS Stark as smoke rises from where it was struck by two Iraqi missiles.From the U.S. Navy/Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Crews prepare to delve into charred areas aboard the frigate USS Stark, Friday, after it was crippled by an Iraqi missile attack in the Gulf waters May 17, 1987.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
Crews prepare to delve into charred areas aboard the frigate USS Stark, Friday, after it was crippled by an Iraqi missile attack in the Gulf waters May 17, 1987.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Two members of the Navy begin repair work aboard the USS Stark in this May 1987 handout provided by the Navy.Times-Union archives
Two members of the Navy begin repair work aboard the USS Stark in this May 1987 handout provided by the Navy.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Barbara Kiser, left, wearing dark glasses and scarf, and her 5-year-old son John cross their hearts as the remains of a slain sailor are carried by in a coffin at the Bahrain airport Wednesday, May 20, 1987. Kiser's husband and John's father was killed aboard the Stark. To the right of John is Cmdr. Glenn Brindel, commander of the USS Stark.See all 37 of the crew members killedAssociated Press/Times-Union archives
Barbara Kiser, left, wearing dark glasses and scarf, and her 5-year-old son John cross their hearts as the remains of a slain sailor are carried by in a coffin at the Bahrain airport Wednesday, May 20, 1987. Kiser's husband and John's father was killed aboard the Stark. To the right of John is Cmdr. Glenn Brindel, commander of the USS Stark.See all 37 of the crew members killedAssociated Press/Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
The frigate USS Stark displays a giant hole in her hull below the bridge, center, as she limps toward Bahrain May 19, 1987. The vessel was hit by one or more French-made Exocet missiles fired from an Iraqi jet Sunday evening. 37 sailors were killed.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
The frigate USS Stark displays a giant hole in her hull below the bridge, center, as she limps toward Bahrain May 19, 1987. The vessel was hit by one or more French-made Exocet missiles fired from an Iraqi jet Sunday evening. 37 sailors were killed.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
The damage can be seen on the hull forward of the bridge. In this May 19, 1987, photo from the Associated Press, the ship limps to port in Bahrain.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
The damage can be seen on the hull forward of the bridge. In this May 19, 1987, photo from the Associated Press, the ship limps to port in Bahrain.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
The body of Steven Edward Kendall, one of 37 killed aboard the Stark, arrives at the Jacksonville International Airport, May 27, 1987.Times-Union archives
The body of Steven Edward Kendall, one of 37 killed aboard the Stark, arrives at the Jacksonville International Airport, May 27, 1987.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Fire Controlman Third Class Lawrence Mark Bareford of Spotsylvania, Va., is carried to a waiting plane at Andrews Air Force Base, May 20, 1987. He was burnt after the missile attack on the USS Stark and was sent to the Brooke Army Medical Base in Texas.Times-Union archives
Fire Controlman Third Class Lawrence Mark Bareford of Spotsylvania, Va., is carried to a waiting plane at Andrews Air Force Base, May 20, 1987. He was burnt after the missile attack on the USS Stark and was sent to the Brooke Army Medical Base in Texas.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
President Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy Reagan, offer condolences to the family of Jeffrey Curtis Sibley, one of 37 Mayport-based Navy men killed in an Iraqi attack on the missile frigate USS Stark in the Persian Gulf in May 1987. The crewmen "made themselves immortal by dying for something immortal," Reagan told a tear-choked crowd of 1,100 at a Mayport memorial service. "Keep faith with their sacrifice."Times-Union archives
President Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy Reagan, offer condolences to the family of Jeffrey Curtis Sibley, one of 37 Mayport-based Navy men killed in an Iraqi attack on the missile frigate USS Stark in the Persian Gulf in May 1987. The crewmen "made themselves immortal by dying for something immortal," Reagan told a tear-choked crowd of 1,100 at a Mayport memorial service. "Keep faith with their sacrifice."Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Members of the U.S. Navy assess the damage to the USS Stark after it was struck by two Iraqi missiles. Yellow containers for garbage dangle from the portside edge.From the U.S. Navy/Times-Union archives
Members of the U.S. Navy assess the damage to the USS Stark after it was struck by two Iraqi missiles. Yellow containers for garbage dangle from the portside edge.From the U.S. Navy/Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
President Ronald Reagan honored the 37 fallen heroes during the memorial service at Mayport on Friday. Earlier that week, an Iraqi missile attack on the USS Stark killed many and caused severe damage to the ship. Image taken May 1987.Times-Union archives
President Ronald Reagan honored the 37 fallen heroes during the memorial service at Mayport on Friday. Earlier that week, an Iraqi missile attack on the USS Stark killed many and caused severe damage to the ship. Image taken May 1987.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Mark Bareford, 23, is hugged by his parents, Nancy and Beale Bareford, June 29, 1987, after his release from a Virginia hospital. Bareford had been injured in an Iraqi missile attack that killed 37 aboard the USS Stark.Times-Union archives
Mark Bareford, 23, is hugged by his parents, Nancy and Beale Bareford, June 29, 1987, after his release from a Virginia hospital. Bareford had been injured in an Iraqi missile attack that killed 37 aboard the USS Stark.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Friends of Jeffrey Lee Phelps gather around his coffin after funeral services in Spotsylvania, Va. Phelps was one of 37 killed in the Stark incident.See all 37 of the crew members killedAssociated Press/Times-Union archives
Friends of Jeffrey Lee Phelps gather around his coffin after funeral services in Spotsylvania, Va. Phelps was one of 37 killed in the Stark incident.See all 37 of the crew members killedAssociated Press/Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Base security policeman Robert Carter of Wyndal, N.C., walks past signs at the Dover Air Force Bas on May 25, 1987.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
Base security policeman Robert Carter of Wyndal, N.C., walks past signs at the Dover Air Force Bas on May 25, 1987.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
A sign stands at the intersection of the off-ramp of I-295 north at U.S. 17. There were also some other signs along the north side of the interstate just north of the Buckman Bridge. This photo originally ran in the Times-Union in August 1987.Times-Union archives
A sign stands at the intersection of the off-ramp of I-295 north at U.S. 17. There were also some other signs along the north side of the interstate just north of the Buckman Bridge. This photo originally ran in the Times-Union in August 1987.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
The body of Randy Eugene Pierce arrives at Jacksonville International Airport, May 28, 1987. Pierce was one of 37 killed in the Stark incident.
The body of Randy Eugene Pierce arrives at Jacksonville International Airport, May 28, 1987. Pierce was one of 37 killed in the Stark incident.
Florida Times-Union
Tommy Keener of East Fifth Street had the help of friends and neighborhood kids to fix up his home to resemble the Stark. This August 1987 photo shows Keener in his yard, made to look like a graveyard with 37 graves for those killed in the Stark attack. He told the Times-Union he spent five years in the Navy and wanted to do this in memory of those lost as well as those returning.Times-Union archives
Tommy Keener of East Fifth Street had the help of friends and neighborhood kids to fix up his home to resemble the Stark. This August 1987 photo shows Keener in his yard, made to look like a graveyard with 37 graves for those killed in the Stark attack. He told the Times-Union he spent five years in the Navy and wanted to do this in memory of those lost as well as those returning.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Atlantic Beach florist Mary Deal received a strange request in May 1987. The Iraqi government wanted to send a bouquet to memorial services for the 37 crewman killed when a missile fired by an Iraqi jet struck the USS Stark. Deal and two others are putting the finishing touches in this image.Times-Union archives
Atlantic Beach florist Mary Deal received a strange request in May 1987. The Iraqi government wanted to send a bouquet to memorial services for the 37 crewman killed when a missile fired by an Iraqi jet struck the USS Stark. Deal and two others are putting the finishing touches in this image.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Commander Fred Leeder, the public affairs officer from Norfolk Naval Station in August 1987, makes the announcement to the press about the arrival of the USS Stark to Mayport.Times-Union archives
Commander Fred Leeder, the public affairs officer from Norfolk Naval Station in August 1987, makes the announcement to the press about the arrival of the USS Stark to Mayport.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Kevin Cummings, a crewman on the Stark.Times-Union archives
Kevin Cummings, a crewman on the Stark.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
The Stark with a salvage tugboat in the Persian Gulf with a warship escort behind it as it sailed slowly to Bahrain.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
The Stark with a salvage tugboat in the Persian Gulf with a warship escort behind it as it sailed slowly to Bahrain.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Twisted steel surrounds a jagged hole in the side of the USS Stark after it was struck from below the bridge by an Iraqi missile.From the U.S. Navy/Times-Union archives
Twisted steel surrounds a jagged hole in the side of the USS Stark after it was struck from below the bridge by an Iraqi missile.From the U.S. Navy/Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
The USS Stark coming home. This photo originally ran in the Jacksonville Journal on Aug. 5, 1987.Times-Union archives
The USS Stark coming home. This photo originally ran in the Jacksonville Journal on Aug. 5, 1987.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Rear Adm. Stanley E. Bump presents an American flag to Georgia and Melvin Daniels at services in Florence, S.C., National Cemetery Thursday afternoon (May 29, 1987). The Daniels' son Antonio Armondo Daniels was one of three South Carolinians killed in the Iraqi missile attack on the USS Stark.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
Rear Adm. Stanley E. Bump presents an American flag to Georgia and Melvin Daniels at services in Florence, S.C., National Cemetery Thursday afternoon (May 29, 1987). The Daniels' son Antonio Armondo Daniels was one of three South Carolinians killed in the Iraqi missile attack on the USS Stark.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
James Pair (left) and Chris Ryden (center) talk while Rob Williams signs a large card for the parents of Steve Irwin, who was killed in the Stark attack. All three were part of the Stark's crew. The event was a party for the crews of the USS Stark and USS Groves at Mayport on Aug. 8, 1987.Times-Union archives
James Pair (left) and Chris Ryden (center) talk while Rob Williams signs a large card for the parents of Steve Irwin, who was killed in the Stark attack. All three were part of the Stark's crew. The event was a party for the crews of the USS Stark and USS Groves at Mayport on Aug. 8, 1987.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Susan Ryals, the widow of Seaman 3rd Class Earl Ryals, with Ryals' mother, Vera Jane Ryals, all from Boca Raton say goodbye at the Arlington National Cemetery. Seaman Ryals was one of 37 killed in the Stark attack.See all 37 of the crew members killedAssociated Press/Times-Union archives
Susan Ryals, the widow of Seaman 3rd Class Earl Ryals, with Ryals' mother, Vera Jane Ryals, all from Boca Raton say goodbye at the Arlington National Cemetery. Seaman Ryals was one of 37 killed in the Stark attack.See all 37 of the crew members killedAssociated Press/Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Navy veteran Chester C. Balut, 76, ties one of about 220 flags flying at half-staff in a May 21, 1987, memorial in Hermitage, Penn., for the 37 killed in the Stark attack.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
Navy veteran Chester C. Balut, 76, ties one of about 220 flags flying at half-staff in a May 21, 1987, memorial in Hermitage, Penn., for the 37 killed in the Stark attack.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
The USS Stark, assisted by a salvage tug alongside, limps toward harbor in Bahrain May 18, 1987, after she was heavily damaged and 37 of her crew killed in an attack by Iraqi warplanes Sunday night.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
The USS Stark, assisted by a salvage tug alongside, limps toward harbor in Bahrain May 18, 1987, after she was heavily damaged and 37 of her crew killed in an attack by Iraqi warplanes Sunday night.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
An unidentified person looks at the banner hung by two Navy wives at the base housing area in May 1987. The sign is facing the road near the main entrance. The person has just left the base.Times-Union archives
An unidentified person looks at the banner hung by two Navy wives at the base housing area in May 1987. The sign is facing the road near the main entrance. The person has just left the base.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
A Navy honor guard bears the body of USS Stark crewman Early Ryals at the Arlington National Cemetery.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
A Navy honor guard bears the body of USS Stark crewman Early Ryals at the Arlington National Cemetery.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
USS Stark combats systems officer Carl Barbour gestures in August 1987 as he describes the path of two missiles that struck the ship on May 17 in the Persian Gulf. Lt. Barbour is in a corridor between two berthing areas here most of the sailors who were killed were housed on the vessel.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
USS Stark combats systems officer Carl Barbour gestures in August 1987 as he describes the path of two missiles that struck the ship on May 17 in the Persian Gulf. Lt. Barbour is in a corridor between two berthing areas here most of the sailors who were killed were housed on the vessel.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Flags drape the coffins of at least 35 of the Navy members killed in the May 17, 1987, attack on the USS Stark. Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, May 26, 1987.Times-Union archives
Flags drape the coffins of at least 35 of the Navy members killed in the May 17, 1987, attack on the USS Stark. Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, May 26, 1987.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Karl Stokes puts up a sign at the Scoots hamburger drive-thru stand on Mayport Road near the base.Times-Union archives
Karl Stokes puts up a sign at the Scoots hamburger drive-thru stand on Mayport Road near the base.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Family members rejoice as some of the first sailors from the USS Star return home to Mayport, July 2, 1987.
Family members rejoice as some of the first sailors from the USS Star return home to Mayport, July 2, 1987.
Florida Times-Union
Infographics from the Associated Press explaining where the ship was struck and about the missiles that were fired on it.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
Infographics from the Associated Press explaining where the ship was struck and about the missiles that were fired on it.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Crew members await the departure of the Stark to head to Pascagoula, Miss. The ship underwent repairs after it was struck by two missiles.Times-Union archives
Crew members await the departure of the Stark to head to Pascagoula, Miss. The ship underwent repairs after it was struck by two missiles.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
The guided missile frigate USS Stark was brought back onto land for restoration work in November 1987 at the Ingalls Shipbuilding division of Litton in Pascagoula, Miss. Ingalls is scheduled to complete the work in 10 months.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
The guided missile frigate USS Stark was brought back onto land for restoration work in November 1987 at the Ingalls Shipbuilding division of Litton in Pascagoula, Miss. Ingalls is scheduled to complete the work in 10 months.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Karen Supple, widow of Martin Supple, with her mother during a May 1987 interview with the Times-Union.Times-Union archives
Karen Supple, widow of Martin Supple, with her mother during a May 1987 interview with the Times-Union.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
More than 500 mourners and guests attended a memorial service at Mayport. The service was held a few days after the attack.Times-Union archives
More than 500 mourners and guests attended a memorial service at Mayport. The service was held a few days after the attack.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Heather Moller, 20 months at the time of this photo, touches a monument on the first anniversary of the Stark attack. Moller's father, Charles T. Moller, was one of 37 crew members killed.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
Heather Moller, 20 months at the time of this photo, touches a monument on the first anniversary of the Stark attack. Moller's father, Charles T. Moller, was one of 37 crew members killed.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
The Stark leaving for Pascagoula.Times-Union archives
The Stark leaving for Pascagoula.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Seaman Joseph Velez, a Stark crew member, removes ropes as it is readied for departure to Pascagoula, Miss., for repairs in November 1987.Times-Union archives
Seaman Joseph Velez, a Stark crew member, removes ropes as it is readied for departure to Pascagoula, Miss., for repairs in November 1987.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Bernard Martin with his wife, Brenda, after spending the day in a May 1987 memorial service for the 37 killed in the Stark attack. Martin was a former member of the Stark.Times-Union archives
Bernard Martin with his wife, Brenda, after spending the day in a May 1987 memorial service for the 37 killed in the Stark attack. Martin was a former member of the Stark.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Family members comfort one another in these photos from the memorial service about a week after 37 were killed after an Iraqi missile struck the Navy ship.Times-Union archives
Family members comfort one another in these photos from the memorial service about a week after 37 were killed after an Iraqi missile struck the Navy ship.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Visitors aboard the USS Stark in October 1988 chuckle during their open house tour when they are shown by USS Stark Seaman/E6 1st Class Gilberto Berrios, right, how the 445-foot frigate is guided through the water by a 4-inch wheel, Saturday, at Mayport. Guided tours of one of the 33 U.S. Navy ships based at Mayport were offered every weekend. This was the ship's first open house tour for the general public following repairs from the Iraqi missile attack.Times-Union archives
Visitors aboard the USS Stark in October 1988 chuckle during their open house tour when they are shown by USS Stark Seaman/E6 1st Class Gilberto Berrios, right, how the 445-foot frigate is guided through the water by a 4-inch wheel, Saturday, at Mayport. Guided tours of one of the 33 U.S. Navy ships based at Mayport were offered every weekend. This was the ship's first open house tour for the general public following repairs from the Iraqi missile attack.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Elizabeth Erwin hugs Ed Abrilz at the Stark memorial service May 17, 1988, at Mayport.Times-Union archives
Elizabeth Erwin hugs Ed Abrilz at the Stark memorial service May 17, 1988, at Mayport.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
The 1991 dedication of the Naval Station Memorial Park. The park includes memorials to those killed in the Stark attack as well as Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.Times-Union archives
The 1991 dedication of the Naval Station Memorial Park. The park includes memorials to those killed in the Stark attack as well as Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
The Stark is docked at Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., Nov. 7, 1987. The ship was to undergo a 10-month restoration after being struck by two Iraqi missiles.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
The Stark is docked at Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., Nov. 7, 1987. The ship was to undergo a 10-month restoration after being struck by two Iraqi missiles.Associated Press/Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Former Stark sailor Bill McLeod with his Purple Heart. He was on active duty for 18 months and on the day of the attack the seamen spent 11 hours in the water following the explosion with other shipmates. He felt the dollar value the U.S. government asked of the Iraqi government in compensation for the May 17, 1987, attack was unfair. The government was asking for $7,500. Photo taken April 1989.Times-Union archives
Former Stark sailor Bill McLeod with his Purple Heart. He was on active duty for 18 months and on the day of the attack the seamen spent 11 hours in the water following the explosion with other shipmates. He felt the dollar value the U.S. government asked of the Iraqi government in compensation for the May 17, 1987, attack was unfair. The government was asking for $7,500. Photo taken April 1989.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Family members wave good-bye as the Stark leaves port in January 1990, three years after the attack. They are standing on the deck of a British ship that was next to the Stark.Times-Union archives
Family members wave good-bye as the Stark leaves port in January 1990, three years after the attack. They are standing on the deck of a British ship that was next to the Stark.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
A sailor aboard the Stark lowers the flag from the stern as the ship pulls away from its dock at Mayport, Jan. 12, 1990. The flag is lowered on the stern and raised above the bridge to signify the ship's return to sea.Times-Union archives
A sailor aboard the Stark lowers the flag from the stern as the ship pulls away from its dock at Mayport, Jan. 12, 1990. The flag is lowered on the stern and raised above the bridge to signify the ship's return to sea.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Bridgette Packer, Diana Ellis and her daughter 9-year-old Randi Pierce get emotional during the reading of the names on the seventh anniversary of the 37 sailors killed aboard the USS Stark. Packer's good friend Steven Erwin was one of those killed as well as Randy Pierce, Ellis's husband and Randi's father.Times-Union archives
Bridgette Packer, Diana Ellis and her daughter 9-year-old Randi Pierce get emotional during the reading of the names on the seventh anniversary of the 37 sailors killed aboard the USS Stark. Packer's good friend Steven Erwin was one of those killed as well as Randy Pierce, Ellis's husband and Randi's father.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Profile photo of Petty Officer 2nd Class Francis Burke, who had just closed a hatch door on the Stark when an Iraqi missile hit the ship. Image taken May 1988.Times-Union archives
Profile photo of Petty Officer 2nd Class Francis Burke, who had just closed a hatch door on the Stark when an Iraqi missile hit the ship. Image taken May 1988.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Crew members and their relatives say goodbye before the Stark sails off in November 1987 to head to Mississippi for repairs.Times-Union archives
Crew members and their relatives say goodbye before the Stark sails off in November 1987 to head to Mississippi for repairs.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Stark memorial plaque.See all 37 of the crew members killedTimes-Union archives
Stark memorial plaque.See all 37 of the crew members killedTimes-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Nancy Ciletta photographed the plaque bearing the name of her husband SN John Anthony (J.A.) Ciletta and the names of the 36 other crewmen who were killed in the missile attack on the USS Stark. Image taken Aug. 1, 1987Times-Union archives
Nancy Ciletta photographed the plaque bearing the name of her husband SN John Anthony (J.A.) Ciletta and the names of the 36 other crewmen who were killed in the missile attack on the USS Stark. Image taken Aug. 1, 1987Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Two men embrace before the memorial service for those killed in the USS Stark attack. More than 500 mourners gathered Friday after the May 17 incident at Mayport for an emotion-filled ceremony.Times-Union archives
Two men embrace before the memorial service for those killed in the USS Stark attack. More than 500 mourners gathered Friday after the May 17 incident at Mayport for an emotion-filled ceremony.Times-Union archives
Florida Times-Union
Review photos and video of the 2012 memorial service
Review photos and video of the 2012 memorial service
Florida Times-Union
The USS Stark arrives at Mayport after a six-month deployment as part of a multi-national NATO squadron. This deployment was the frigate's first since the May 17, 1987, attacks. In the photo: Enthusiastic relatives of Seaman Jon G. Newkirk spotted him aboard ship and gave waves before the ship had docked. From left, Mary Kelley (aunt), Clydia "C.M." Kelley (great-aunt), Martha K. Newkirk (mother), Viveca Newkirk (cousin) and Wonnie Shields (aunt). Photo taken on July 11, 1990.Times-Union Archives
The USS Stark arrives at Mayport after a six-month deployment as part of a multi-national NATO squadron. This deployment was the frigate's first since the May 17, 1987, attacks. In the photo: Enthusiastic relatives of Seaman Jon G. Newkirk spotted him aboard ship and gave waves before the ship had docked. From left, Mary Kelley (aunt), Clydia "C.M." Kelley (great-aunt), Martha K. Newkirk (mother), Viveca Newkirk (cousin) and Wonnie Shields (aunt). Photo taken on July 11, 1990.Times-Union Archives
Florida Times-Union