USS COLE Bombing
On October 12th 2000, a routine port call for refueling left the USS COLE with a forty foot hole in her hull and 54 sailors dead or wounded. Senior Enlisted Leaders must understand the significance of historical events that drive today’s policies and procedures. This paper covers the background of the USS COLE bombing, lessons learned, and the impact of this event on U.S. naval operations today.
Historical Background
On October 12th 2000, the USS Cole (DDG-67) pulled into port at Aden Yemen for refueling. Less than 2 hours after mooring, a small boat carrying two Al Qaida operatives and 600 pounds of explosives detonated off her port side. The explosion ripped a hole through the hull amidships, destroyed a main engine room, and the galley where many crew members had gathered for lunch (K Lippold, 2012). The result was 17 sailors dead and 37 wounded. The ship sustained heavy structural …show more content…
The COLE was conducting its port visit under force protection condition BRAVO, one step above the lowest condition. Intelligence reports at that time indicated a significant threat to U.S. interests however there were no specific threat streams to indicate an imminent attack in Aden. The ships small boat typically used for force protection was not being utilized at the time of the attack. Rules of Engagement (ROE) were restrictive in nature limiting self-defense measures. Those members assigned to force protection watches were either not provided ammunition, limited ammunition or lacked training on weapon systems. Fire hoses used as tools of deterrence were not laid out or charged. The lessons learned from the USS COLE impact the way today’s U.S. Navy operates globally
On October 12th 2000, a routine port call for refueling left the USS COLE with a forty foot hole in her hull and 54 sailors dead or wounded. Senior Enlisted Leaders must understand the significance of historical events that drive today’s policies and procedures. This paper covers the background of the USS COLE bombing, lessons learned, and the impact of this event on U.S. naval operations today.
Historical Background
On October 12th 2000, the USS Cole (DDG-67) pulled into port at Aden Yemen for refueling. Less than 2 hours after mooring, a small boat carrying two Al Qaida operatives and 600 pounds of explosives detonated off her port side. The explosion ripped a hole through the hull amidships, destroyed a main engine room, and the galley where many crew members had gathered for lunch (K Lippold, 2012). The result was 17 sailors dead and 37 wounded. The ship sustained heavy structural …show more content…
The COLE was conducting its port visit under force protection condition BRAVO, one step above the lowest condition. Intelligence reports at that time indicated a significant threat to U.S. interests however there were no specific threat streams to indicate an imminent attack in Aden. The ships small boat typically used for force protection was not being utilized at the time of the attack. Rules of Engagement (ROE) were restrictive in nature limiting self-defense measures. Those members assigned to force protection watches were either not provided ammunition, limited ammunition or lacked training on weapon systems. Fire hoses used as tools of deterrence were not laid out or charged. The lessons learned from the USS COLE impact the way today’s U.S. Navy operates globally