Stark (FFG 31) - Naval Cruise Book

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dmiral Harold R. Stark, U SS STARK IFFG-311 is named for Admiral Harold R. Stark who served his country with distinction for four decades. Born I2 November 1880 in Wilkes-Barre, Penn- sylvania, he attended public schools and the Harry Hillman Academy before receiving his appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. Following graduation in 1903. he served on many ships including the battleship USS MINNESOTA while she steamed with the Great White Fleet on the famous December l907 to February 1909 cruise around the world. In June l9l7 he reported for duty at the Naval Torpedo Station. Newport. Rhode Island. Shortly after the United States entered World War I. Stark assumed command of Torpedo Flotilla. Asiatic Fleet. but was soon transferred to the Staff of Commander. U.S. Naval Forces and operated in European waters for the remainder of the war. Stark eamed a Distinguished Service Medal for boldly leading a squadron of small. old destroyers through monsoons from the Philippines to Gibraltar. The ships arrived ahead of schedule and carried out an active role in the anti-submarine campaign in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. In the years following WWI. his service included assign- ments as Aide to two Navy Secretaries. command of bat- tleship WEST VIRGINIA. Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance and Commander of Cruiser Division Three. Battle Force. Stark attained the rank ofRear Admiral on 2 November 1934 and was promoted to Admiral on 1 August 1939 following his appointment as Chief of Naval Operations on 1 April 1939. Admiral Stark's second Distinguished Service Medal was for his resolute decision to hasten the capital ship construc- tion for the 'Two Ocean Navy . which proved a key to victory 2 USS STARK in WWII. In cooperation with Great Britain, he institulct effective trans-Atlantic convoy protection as well as anu- submarine warfare measures which bridged the Atlantic from both North and South America. In March 1942, he tool command of U.S. Naval Forces in Europe, thereafter PW viding the primary liaison between the British Navy and U.S. Navy for logistics for the 2,904 U.S. Naval ships and craft and the 124,000 naval personnel participating in the NUI: mandy invasion. Although he did not participate in the actual amphibious assaults on the Normandy coast in June 1933, personal contributions resulted in the award of a third DIY tinguished Service Medal. General Eisenhower ad.dltl0U3UF presented Admiral Stark with the Armyls Distinguished vice Medal for rendering brilliant and distinguished SCFVICF not only as a naval administrator, but as a skillful d1Pl0U1am emissary in relations with allied authorities, directly cg tributing to the liberation of Europe. In Autumn l945,' miral Stark was assigned to the Office of Naval Opefatlifm Navy Department, Washington D.C. He served there urlfm retired I April 1946. His many U.S. awards and decorati n were supplemented by numerous honors from forelgllm ernments including Britain, France, Brazil, N01'WaY, P0 the Netherlands and Belgium. h W Admiral Stark settled in Washington, D.C. where in mained active in a variety of Navy organizations and can He died 20 August 1972 at the age of 91. His w1fe,thCf9rm Katherine Rhodes, also of Wilkes-Barre, predeceased 111111- in

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USS STARK QFFG-315 CP 93256 UNITAS XXXIII I 995'

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Y ged iti- mm tok ro- l.S. aft, lor- ,ual his Dis- ally Ser- ice. atic :on- Ad- ons. il he ions EOV' and. 3 IC' lubs i-mer Il. USS STARK CREST old and blue are the colors associated with the Navy. The globe refers to Admiral Stark's in his naval career when, after graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy, he sailed around the world global outlook of the U.S. Navy which began early ! with the U.S. 'Great White Fleet'. The globe further alludes to Admiral Stark's World War I experience as commander of a torpedo flotilla which he led from the Philippines to the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean which took an active part in the anti-submarine campaign. The chain encircling the globe symbolizes the U.S. two ocean concept foreseen by Admiral Stark while Chief of Naval Operations. The chain also alludes to the Admiral's service as Commander of U.S. Naval Forces in Europe where his diplomatic and tactical abilities proved that the Navy was the vital link which ensured support for allied forces ashore by convoying supplies from the U.S. and transporting of allied troop replacement forces. The anchor and the four blue stripes on the pentagon reflect Admiral Stark's forty-year Naval career culminating as Chief of Naval Operations and Commander of U.S. Naval Forces in Europe during World War II. The four stars reflect both his rank and the three Navy and one Army Distin- guished Service Medals he earned during his il- lustrious career. A FOQ. History 3