This has been called the U.S. Navy's deadliest peacetime disaster before the gun turret explosion onboard the battleship Iowa.
Because the U.S. and Iraq were not at war at the time, the attack was likely not authorized. According to Iraqi officials, the pilot who attacked the Stark was not punished.
Stevens graduated from Mount Whitney High School in Visalia in 1979, served six years in the Navy, then worked a short time as a motel desk clerk in Visalia before re-enlisting in the Navy in January 1986. Two of his five brothers have also served in the military. His parents, Robert and Pat Stevens, still live in Visalia. His mother said James loved the Navy and was patriotic.
This has been called the U.S. Navy's deadliest peacetime disaster before the gun turret explosion onboard the battleship Iowa.
Because the U.S. and Iraq were not at war at the time, the attack was likely not authorized. According to Iraqi officials, the pilot who attacked the Stark was not punished.
Stevens graduated from Mount Whitney High School in Visalia in 1979, served six years in the Navy, then worked a short time as a motel desk clerk in Visalia before re-enlisting in the Navy in January 1986. Two of his five brothers have also served in the military. His parents, Robert and Pat Stevens, still live in Visalia. His mother said James loved the Navy and was patriotic.
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