The fatal blindspot that left a US frigate defenseless against missile strikes

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: On May 17, 1987, the USS Stark was struck by two Exocet missiles during the Iran–Iraq War. Despite having advanced radar systems, the ship's primary fire control director was blind to the incoming threat, leading to a tragedy that claimed 37 lives.

The attack occurred during a deployment to the Middle East Force, led by Captain Glenn R. Brindel. An Iraqi Dassault Mirage F1 fighter, having departed from Shaibah, Iraq, launched two Exocet anti-ship missiles at the frigate. An initial missile launched from 22.5 nautical miles (41.7 km), followed by another at 15.5 nautical miles (28.7 km). While the ship's MK 92 Combined Antenna System could see the aircraft, the STIR fire control director was in a blindspot, meaning the ship's primary tracking and illumination radar could not detect the incoming missiles.

The consequences were devastating. The first missile penetrated the port-side hull but failed to detontate, though it left a trail of flaming rocket fuel. The second missile created a 3-by-4-meter gash and exploded in the crew quarters, killing 37 sailors and injuring 21. At the time of the strike, the ship's Phalanx CIWS was merely on standby, and the Mark 36 SRBOC countermeasures had only been armed seconds before impact. No weapons were fired in defense of the ship.

The aftermath sparked significant controversy regarding accountability and motive. While the Reagan administration blamed Iranian belligerence for the incident, the exact orders for the Iraqi pilot, Abdul Rhaman, remain unknown. Although US officials claimed the pilot was executed, some accounts suggest he was not punished and even received a Medal of Bravery. Following a Navy board of inquiry that cited training lapses and lax procedures, Captain Brindel and Lieutenant Basil E. Moncrief faced reprimands rather than court-martial, leading to Brindel's early retirement.

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