Commemoration Ceremony Honors Fallen, Injured Cole Shipmates

by Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Former and current USS Cole (DDG 67) crew members joined relatives, family members and officials, as they gathered together today at the Cole Memorial on Naval Station Norfolk, to pay tribute to the 17 Sailors killed and 39 wounded in the attack on the guided-missile destroyer 14 years ago.

More than 150 attended the waterfront ceremony under a blustery, sunless sky. Mirroring a similar commemoration held yesterday aboard the deployed ship, the ceremony featured a roll call and bell tolling for the 17 Cole Sailors who perished that day, a 21-gun salute, wreath-laying, and taps.

Recalling the life-changing event, the annual gathering honored the heroes who, like the ship's namesake, paid the ultimate sacrifice for their shipmates, their Navy, and their nation.

"Every year at this time, something in us awakens and reminds us of the sacrifices made like it happened yesterday," said guest speaker and retired Master Chief Petty Officer James Parlier, Cole command master chief when it was attacked.

"It is hard to believe it was 14 years ago. The memories and feelings are vivid; it is pure, raw emotion."

On Thursday, Oct. 12, 2000, Cole was refueling at the Yemeni port of Aden when al-Qaida suicide bombers pulled alongside the Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer in a small boat full of explosives. At 11:18 a.m., Bahrain time, the attackers detonated the bombs and ripped a 40-by-40- foot hole in the hull of the ship.

"The odds we faced that day were tremendous," said Parlier. "They wanted to defeat us. They wanted to sink Cole. But it did not happen. We were not defeated. Cole is not a museum. It is still a proud American warship."

Side by side, present and past Cole families and crewmembers took solace in the camaraderie, posed for photos, promised to "always remember their shipmates," as they lingered at the ship's waterfront monument.

The Cole Memorial includes 17 low-level markers which stand for the youthfulness of the Sailors, whose lives were lost. Three tall, granite monoliths, each bearing brass plaques, stand for the three colors of the American flag. A set of brown markers encircling the memorial symbolizes the darkness and despair that overcame the ship on Oct. 12, 2000. Additionally, 28 black pine trees were planted to represent the 17 Sailors and the 11 children they left behind.

Homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Cole is currently conducting operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in the region.

Commemoration Ceremony Honors Fallen, Injured Cole Shipmates

by Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Former and current USS Cole (DDG 67) crew members joined relatives, family members and officials, as they gathered together today at the Cole Memorial on Naval Station Norfolk, to pay tribute to the 17 Sailors killed and 39 wounded in the attack on the guided-missile destroyer 14 years ago.

More than 150 attended the waterfront ceremony under a blustery, sunless sky. Mirroring a similar commemoration held yesterday aboard the deployed ship, the ceremony featured a roll call and bell tolling for the 17 Cole Sailors who perished that day, a 21-gun salute, wreath-laying, and taps.

Recalling the life-changing event, the annual gathering honored the heroes who, like the ship's namesake, paid the ultimate sacrifice for their shipmates, their Navy, and their nation.

"Every year at this time, something in us awakens and reminds us of the sacrifices made like it happened yesterday," said guest speaker and retired Master Chief Petty Officer James Parlier, Cole command master chief when it was attacked.

"It is hard to believe it was 14 years ago. The memories and feelings are vivid; it is pure, raw emotion."

On Thursday, Oct. 12, 2000, Cole was refueling at the Yemeni port of Aden when al-Qaida suicide bombers pulled alongside the Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer in a small boat full of explosives. At 11:18 a.m., Bahrain time, the attackers detonated the bombs and ripped a 40-by-40- foot hole in the hull of the ship.

"The odds we faced that day were tremendous," said Parlier. "They wanted to defeat us. They wanted to sink Cole. But it did not happen. We were not defeated. Cole is not a museum. It is still a proud American warship."

Side by side, present and past Cole families and crewmembers took solace in the camaraderie, posed for photos, promised to "always remember their shipmates," as they lingered at the ship's waterfront monument.

The Cole Memorial includes 17 low-level markers which stand for the youthfulness of the Sailors, whose lives were lost. Three tall, granite monoliths, each bearing brass plaques, stand for the three colors of the American flag. A set of brown markers encircling the memorial symbolizes the darkness and despair that overcame the ship on Oct. 12, 2000. Additionally, 28 black pine trees were planted to represent the 17 Sailors and the 11 children they left behind.

Homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Cole is currently conducting operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in the region.

Hagel Reaffirms U.S. Commitment to Partnership With Colombia

By John D. Banusiewicz

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2014 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel yesterday reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to its strategic relationship with Colombia, noting that as the South American nation moves toward ending a half century of conflict, it will become an increasingly important player on the world stage.

Speaking at a news conference with Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon at Colombia’s Tolemaida military base, Hagel noted that his day had included a meeting with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and the nation’s military leaders, as well as a military capabilities demonstration.

“I very much appreciated the day I've had an opportunity to spend with you and your forces, your leaders,” Hagel said to Pinzon. “It culminated in a very impressive show this afternoon, focusing on the capabilities of your military. And I want to congratulate all of you, and all of those who participated.”

Strong and continued support

The United States remains “absolutely committed” to its special strategic partnership with Colombia, the secretary said, and that commitment includes “strong and continued support” for Colombia’s ongoing campaign to defeat the terrorist organization known as FARC.

“As Colombia moves toward ending half a century of conflict,” he said, “the United States will continue to be steadfast in our support for the Colombian government in the negotiations to achieve a just and lasting peace.”

During their meeting, Hagel said, he and Pinzon discussed Colombia's regional and global leadership including its commitment to sharing its impressive defense capabilities and training with the nations of Latin America and the world.

Broader global engagement

“Colombia continues to expand its role as a security exporter, having helped train tens of thousands of security personnel for more than 40 nations,” the secretary said. “As the conflict in Colombia winds down, the international community will benefit from Colombia's even broader global engagement.”

During his visit to Colombia, Hagel noted, he met with U.S. Special Forces troops and aviation specialists who have worked closely there with their Colombian counterparts. “Their work is critical to our partnership,” he added. “And through initiatives such as our Joint Action Plan on Regional Security Cooperation, Colombia and the United States will continue to work together to build security across this hemisphere and beyond.”

Colombia was the first stop for Hagel on a six-day, three-nation trip to South America that will include attending the Conference of the Defense Ministers of the Americas.