Image via WikipediaOn October 11, the U.S. Embassy in Sana'a held a ceremony to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attack on the USS Cole, in which 17 American sailors were killed. Ambassador Gerald Feierstein led the Embassy community in a moment of silence in memory of those who lost their lives, and delivered remarks honoring the bravery and service of the USS Cole's crew.
Excerpt from the remarks of Ambassador Gerald Feierstein:
[W]e meet today to honor the memory of the men and women of the USS Cole who gave their lives ten years ago.
Ten years ago today, on October 12, 2000, America was at peace with the world. Aden was a thriving port, creating jobs, providing livelihoods, and giving Yemen a higher stature around the world with one of the globe's greatest natural harbors.
The USS Cole, under the command of Commander Kirk S. Lippold, set into Aden harbor for a routine fuel stop. At 11:18AM, a small craft with two suicide bombers aboard approached the side of the destroyer, rammed the vessel, and caused an explosion that put a 40' by 40' gash in the ship's port side. The blast hit the ship's galley at just before lunchtime. Seventeen sailors were killed, and 39 others were injured in the blast.
The attack on the U.S.S. Cole was not just an attack on the United States, but on civilized countries everywhere who want to trade and create prosperity and productive lives for their citizens.
Remembering the men and women on the USS Cole:
Kenneth E. Clodfelter,
Hull Maintenance Technician Second Class
Richard Costelow,
Chief Electronics Technician (Surface Warfare)
Lakeina M. Francis,
Mess Management Specialist Seaman
Timothy Lee Gauna,
Information Systems Technician Seaman
Cherone Louis Gunn,
Signalman Seaman
James R. McDaniels,
Information Systems Technician Seaman
Marc Ian Nieto,
Engineman Second Class (Surface Warfare)
Ronald Scott Owens,
Electronic Warfare Technician Second Class
Lakiba Nicole Palmer,
Seaman
Joshua L. Parlett,
Engineman Fireman
Patrick Howard Roy,
Fireman
Kevin Shawn Rux,
Electronic Warfare Technician First Class
Ronchester Santiago,
Mess Management Specialist Third Class
Timothy L. Saunders,
Operations Specialist Second Class
Gary Swenchonis Jr.,
Fireman
Andrew Triplett,
Lieutenant (Junior Grade); and
Craig B. Wibberley,
Seaman
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