JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A ceremony of remembrance will be held at Naval Station Mayport, Friday to honor Sailors who were killed aboard the guided-missile frigate USS Stark 28 years ago. Several members of the 1987 crew of Stark and family members of the fallen will attend the ceremony.
Thirty seven sailors died 28 years ago when two Iraqi missiles struck USS Stark.
"I think it's very important to continue the tradition of honoring those shipmates that fell during that time," said Bill Austin with the Naval Station Mayport. He says remembering these sailors are something they do every year.
"There was loss and we need to honor that loss and sacrifice and we do that every year here at Naval Station Mayport," Austin adds.
The tragedy struck on May 17, 1987. Thirty seven sailors Sailors died while on patrol in the Arabian Gulf, when two Iraqi missiles struck USS Stark. Despite the severe damage inflicted, the Stark's crew saved the ship.
In order to preserve the tradition once the ship was retired in 1999, Mayport has held the ceremony on base in their memorial park.
"We ring the bell for each sailor that was lost. It's a very solemn ceremony but it's a tribute we will continue to do here and rightfully so," said Austin.
Several members of the 1987 crew of Stark and family members of the fallen are expected to attend the service which will feature accounts of some of the events that occurred following the attack, both aboard the ship and here at Naval Station Mayport.