Milestones

Ten years ago: Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger said the Navy’s anti-mine capabilities would be improved in the Persian Gulf in the wake of a mine explosion that damaged the tanker Bridgeton.

Five years ago: Iraq agreed to permit weapons inspectors to search the Agriculture Ministry in Baghdad. Singer Mary Wells died in Los Angeles at age 49.

One year ago: President Clinton rejected a clemency plea from Jonathan Pollard, who had spent more than 10 years in prison for spying for Israel. Amy Van Dyken became the first American woman to win four gold medals at a single Olympics as she captured the 50-meter freestyle in Atlanta.