USS Cole Holds 15th Commemoration Ceremony

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Navy officials, family members, former and current USS Cole (DDG 67) crew members gathered together Oct. 12, at the Cole Memorial to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Oct. 12, 2000 terrorist attack on the guided-missile destroyer.

Although the ship is docked in Marine Hydraulics International Ship Repair and Services dry dock for scheduled maintenance, more than 150 attended the heartfelt commemoration held along the waterfront at Naval Station Norfolk.

"We serve in a very special ship, one that stands for the resolve of the American people," said Cmdr. James Quaresimo, Cole commanding officer. "We will never forget those that made the ultimate sacrifices for our great nation and those that fought so valiantly to save our ship under the most difficult conditions imaginable."

Cole was attacked by a terrorist group during a refueling operation in the port of Aden, Yemen, that claimed the lives of 17 Sailors and injured 39 others. The blast tore a 40- by 60-foot hole on the port side of the ship during the crew's lunch hour. For approximately 96 hours, the Cole's determined warriors fought to keep the ship afloat. Their sacrifices, as well as lessons learned through heroic damage control efforts, have significantly contributed to the Navy's improved training on damage control, damage control equipment, security measures and anti-terrorism methods.

"It's not something you get used to, it's something you have to live with," said Jamal Gunn, whose brother, Signalman Seaman Recruit Cherone L. Gunn, was killed in the attack. "It doesn't get any easier over time. It's just something that gives you more reason to remember as the years go by."

The ceremony concluded in a name reading of each Sailor that sacrificed their life, followed by a bell tolling, wreath laying ceremony and a final rendition of taps.

The Cole Memorial site includes 17 low-level markers which stand for each of the Sailors lost. There are three tall granite monuments bearing three brass plaques, representing the three colors of the American flag. Additionally, 28 pine trees were planted to represent the 17 Sailors and their 11 children they left behind.

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