[DonDavis]

I was in Norfolk attending MK38 school for the 16" guns on USS Wisconsin when this happened. Much of our class time was spent discussing this.

About a year earlier, in May 1987, I was in Fire Controlman "A" school when an Iraqi pilot fired 2 missiles at USS Stark in the Persian Gulf. The first struck the port side but did not explode, but missile fuel was spreading fire. The second entered the same area and detonated.
They lost 37 men and the ship nearly sank.
Many mistakes were made onboard Stark and men were lost. Lessons learned were implemented and the success of Praying Mantis was proof of the readiness improvements.

Later in 1988, the Stark was alongside Wisconsin in Pascagoula, MS for repairs.
Wisconsin was being refurbished and recommissioned.
That gaping hole was a stern reminder of our jobs as Fire Controlmen.