NORFOLK, Va. – One day before the U.S. Navy’s 247th birthday, a somber event is held to remember the 17 sailors killed aboard the guided-missile destroyer, USS Cole (DDG 67).
Friends, family, current, and former crewmembers gathered onboard Naval Station Norfolk in remembrance of the attack. A memorial stands in a serene location near the water.
Cole was attacked off the coast of Yemen by members of the Al-Qaeda terrorist organization on Oct. 12, 2000. According to the Navy, the terrorists used a small vessel posing as a trash barge to close in on the ship before detonating an improvised explosive device. The blast tore a massive hole in the side of the ship. In addition to the 17 who died, an additional 37 crewmembers were injured.
The crew bravely fought for 96 hours to save their ship.
Paul Abney, Master Chief (Retired) was on USS Cole that day.
"I knew many of the ones that were injured and many who were killed," Abney stated. "It's tough reliving the memories."
Abney said attending the memorial ceremonies is bittersweet. He does enjoy getting together with other sailors and family members.
Jamal Gunn lost his brother Cherone Gunn who had just joined the Navy 9 months prior to the attack.
"You would think that you would see him when he gets back in another 6 months, but it never happened," Gunn reflected. "It’s something you are never really prepared for, to have a loved one pass and you’re not able to say goodbye to them the right way. It’s unfortunate. It’s something I would never wish somebody to go through."
Cole is homeported on Naval Station Norfolk. The crew recently returned after completing a 9-month deployment.
