Tiger Cruise,  USS John C Stennis,  Feb 19, 2012 - Feb 27, 2012     page 67 / 166

The Belknap Pole is named for USS Belknap, which was struck in 1975 by the carrier USS John F Kennedy. At that time Belknap was attempting to reposition from one side of Kennedy to the other by moving across her bow. Lights on the tower (the island) were in such a position as to create a shadow. Belknap thought she was well ahead of Kennedy, but was not. A massive collision and fire ensued, with several servicemen killed. Lights on the pole improve visibility, hopefully preventing a reoccurrence of this kind of disaster.