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)
