Commissioning of the USS Stockdale
Sybil Stockdale, the widow of Vice Adm. James Stockdale, sits on the bow of the missile destroyer Stockdale, named in her husband’s honor, shortly before the commissioning ceremony for the new warship at Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Stockdale crew members stand at attention during the commissioning ceremony. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Members of the Navy Band Southwest perform in front of the Stockdale during the ceremony. In a speech honoring the former POW, H. Ross Perot recounted a story of Vice Adm. James Stockdale and others defying guards at the Hanoi prison camp by singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” I hope you just sing your hearts out today, Perot said as the band began playing the national anthem. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Sailor Jeffrey Bayless walks onto the deck of the Stockdale shortly before the commissioning ceremony. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
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Commissioning Command Master Chief Jeff Daue walks the deck of the 509-foot-long guided missile destroyer shortly before the ceremony. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Ross Perot makes his way onto the Stockdale, named after his running mate in the 1992 presidential campaign, Vice Adm. James Stockdale. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
After Stockdale’s granddaughter, Elizabeth, gave the traditional commissioning call -- “Man this ship, and bring her to life!” -- sailors sprinted onto the deck, guns fired, engines churned, sirens blared and four jets roared overhead. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
