The Stark is now decommissioned but not forgot. Here is some interesting information I have from the the day the USS STARK was struck by the two Exocet missiles.For those that know what this is, it's part of the POD (plan of the day) for May 17, 1987. This outline was distributed the evening before the tragedy. Its pretty self explanatory. The menu was referred to as "Benson's Banquet" MSC Benson was the Mess Management Chief Petty Officer Specialist on board. These days the cooks are known as "CS" (Culinary Specialist).
What I found ironic about this POD, was the thought of the day, this is why I kept it for all these years. It reads: "The solider and the sailor, above all other people, pray for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war."
Thirty-seven people died on May 17, 1987 and I still feel the scars from that day.
My wife was looking over my shoulder while I was scanning this and she said "I want to eat creamy rice pudding". Hurray for MSC Benson and his navy chow!
My wife was looking over my shoulder while I was scanning this and she said "I want to eat creamy rice pudding". Hurray for MSC Benson and his navy chow!
MSC Benson is my Dad, and he is still living in Jacksonville.
ReplyDeletePlease give your Dad my best wishes.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Andre Bryant, and I attended apprentice school with Bryan Clinefelter in San diego California. He was one of the nicest guys that you would ever meet.. Just seeing his name on the memorial of men that lost their live brought back memories of how I was supposed to be on the ship that day if Bryan and I had swapped orders like we tried to do. He really wanted to stay in California, his home state and I wanted to go back to Florida my home state. (Jacksonville Florida native). Our request was denied.. Shortly, I recived the news that Bryan was tragically killed on the Stark. Still, my heart goes out to Bryans family.... If Bryans family, shipmates, friends ever read this post, please contact me at tdalandre@aol.com...
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