Robert Dean Stethem Memorial

November 17, 1961 – June 15, 1985

Robert Dean Stethem grew up in Pinefield and graduated from Thomas Stone High School in 1980.  

USS STETHEM (DDG - 63) is the first U.S. Navy warship named to honor the life and service of Steelworker Second Class (DV) Robert Dean Stethem, USN (1961 - 1985).

STETHEM is named after 2nd Class Petty Officer Robert Dean Stethem and was commissioned on October 21, 1995, as the thirteenth Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer. STETHEM is assigned to Destroyer-Squadron NINE under Commander Carrier Strike Group ELEVEN/NIMITZ CARRIER STRIKE GROUP.

Petty Officer Stethem entered the Navy on May 4, 1981. He attended recruit training in Great Lakes, Illinois, and was assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Sixty - Two, home ported at Gulfport, Mississippi. After several deployments to Guam and Diego Garcia, he attended Navy dive school, becoming a Second Class Diver, and was subsequently assigned to Underwater Construction Team One (UCT 1), in Little Creek, Virginia.

Robert Stethem was returning home from overseas duty when the plane he was on, TWA Flight 847, was hijacked by terrorists. He was singled out as a U.S. Sailor and was beaten by the terrorists in an attempt to have their demands met. Robert Stethem would not aid the terrorists in meeting their demands by courageously refusing to cry out, which in turn cost him his life as he was shot and killed.

He was posthumously promoted to SW2 and ultimately to Master Chief Constructionman (CUCM) for making the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of freedom as he laid down his life for the United States and his fellow Americans. STETHEM continuously honors Robert’s sacrifice, adopting the motto “Steadfast and Courageous” to highlight the exceptional heroism he demonstrated in June of 1985.