On May 17, 1987 the USS Stark was hit by two missiles from an Iraqi jet. 37 crewmen were killed. The incident occurred in the Persian Gulf during the waning days of the Iran-Iraq War. The frigate was on routine patrol outside the designated war zone. When what appeared to be a Mirage fighter jet approached, the Stark took no defensive action. It turned out to be a modified Dassault Falcon 50 business jet. The Iraqi plane had been modified to carry two Exocet missiles for anti-ship attacks. The pilot later claimed he mistook the American warship for an Iranian tanker. By the time the Stark issued two warnings to the jet, two missiles had been launched. The first hit the port side. It did not explode, but it spewed rocket fuel which caused a massive fire. 30 seconds later, the second missile detonated, blowing a 10×15’ hole in the side. 37 sailors died and 21 were wounded. Pres. Reagan accepted Saddam Hussein’s apology. A Navy investigation blamed Capt. Glenn Brindel for lax defensive procedures. Although recently briefed about the possibility of attacks, he did not prepare his crew. The ship was not put on alert when the jet was picked up on radar. The defense systems were not up and running. Key personnel failed to do their jobs, but the captain was ultimately responsible for the screwups. He avoided a court-martial, but he was reprimanded and relieved of duty. The incident went on the long list of examples of how the American military is seldom ready for surprise attacks.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Stark_incident
https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-trending/only-successful-missile-strike-warships/
https://news.usni.org/2017/05/17/the-attack-uss-stark-at-30
0 Comments