Namesake:
Admiral Harold R. Stark
USS STARK is named for Admiral Harold R. Stark, who served his country
with distinction for four decades. Born 12 November 1880 in
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, 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 1907 to February 1909 cruise
around the world.
In June 1917, 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 earned
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 campaigns in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
In the years following WW I, his service included assignment as Aide to
two Navy Secretaries, command of battleship USS WEST VIRGINIA, Chief of
the Bureau of Ordnance, and Commander of Cruiser Division Three, Battle
Force. Stark attained the rank of Rear 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 construction for the "Two Ocean
Navy," which proved a key to victory in WW II. In cooperation with
Great Britain, he instituted effective trans-Atlantic convoy
protection, as well as anti-submarine warfare measures which bridged
the Atlantic from both North and South America. In March 1942, he took
command of U.S. Naval Forces in Europe, thereafter providing the
primary liaison between the British Navy and U.S. Navy for logistics
for the British Isles. This included the massive staging, training, and
logistics for the 2,904 U.S. Naval ships and craft, and the 124,000
naval personnel participating in the Normandy Invasion. Although he did
not participate in the actual amphibious assaults on the Normandy Coast
in June 1944, his personal contributions resulted in the award of a
third Distinguished Service Medal. General Eisenhower additionally
presented Admiral Stark with the Army's Distinguished Service Medal for
rendering brilliant and distinguished service, not only as a naval
administrator, but as a skillful diplomatic emissary in relations with
Allied authorities, directly contributing to the liberation of Europe.
In Autumn 1945, Admiral Stark was assigned to the Office of Naval
Operations, Navy Department, Washington, D.C. He served there until he
retired 1 April 1946. His many U.S. awards and decorations were
supplemented by numerous honors from foreign governments, including
Britain, France, Brazil, Norway, Poland, the Netherlands and Belgium.
Admiral Stark settled in Washington, D.C., where he remained active in
a variety of Navy organizations and clubs. He died 20 August 1972 at
the age of 91. His wife, the former Katherine Rhodes, also of Wilkes-
Barre, predeceased him.
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Ship's Crest:
 Description
of Coat of Arms:
Gold and blue are the colors associated with the Navy. The globe refers
to Admiral Stark's global outlook of the U.S. Navy, which began early
in his naval career when, after graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy,
he sailed around the world 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 Distinguished Service Medals he earned during his illustrious
career.
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