On October 12, 2000, the USS Cole was the target of a surprise attack by al-Qaeda suicide bombers while at port in Yemen, resulting in the deaths of 17 American sailors and injuries to approximately three dozen others. This attack served as a forewarning of the more devastating attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. Admiral Christopher W. Grady, who commanded the USS Cole from 2003 to 2004, reflected on the attack on its 20th anniversary and emphasized the significant threat that al-Qaeda posed to America’s security, which was not fully realized until the 9/11 attacks.
The Navy guided-missile destroyer was refueling in the port of Aden when two men in a motorboat approached the ship making friendly gestures, before detonating explosives weighing 1,000 pounds. The resulting blast created a 40-foot hole in the ship’s hull at the waterline, causing extensive damage and loss of life. Commander Grady commended the crew of the USS Cole for their valiant efforts in rescuing shipmates and saving the vessel under perilous conditions, a display of bravery that he saw mirrored in today’s sailors.
International allies provided assistance to the American sailors and the USS Cole in the aftermath of the attack, with the HMS Marlborough being the first ship to offer aid and the French air force aiding in evacuations. The damaged ship was repaired and returned to sea in 2003. The majority of the sailors who lost their lives were young individuals from various parts of the United States, representing a diverse cross-section of American society. The tragic event was a stark reminder of the threats faced by the nation during the early stages of the War on Terror.
Despite the loss of 17 brave young sailors onboard the USS Cole, the attack did not lead to a significant increase in awareness of the al-Qaeda threat among the American public and government officials. Various missed opportunities to act against Osama bin Laden and the growing threats from al-Qaeda in the late 1990s ultimately culminated in the devastating 9/11 attacks in 2001, which claimed the lives of 3,000 people and reshaped global geopolitics. The failed attempt to bomb another U.S. Navy ship, the USS The Sullivans, in 2000 served as a precursor to the USS Cole bombing, highlighting the escalating danger posed by the terrorist organization.
The USS Cole sailors, who unknowingly found themselves on the front lines of the War on Terror, demonstrated incredible courage and resilience in the face of adversity. Admiral Grady expressed his confidence in the enduring American spirit by recognizing the heroic actions of the sailors and drawing parallels between them and the current generation serving in the military. The 20th anniversary of the USS Cole attack serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have fought and continue to fight against terrorism, embodying the unwavering commitment to defending the nation’s security and values.
