Remembering the Cole

"There was a thunderous explosion. You could feel all 505 feet and 8400 tons of guided missile destroyer violently thrust up and to the right."
– Kirk Lippold, retired US Navy Commander

That guided missile destroyer was the USS Cole. And the explosion on October 12, 2000 was a terrorist attack. The blast tore a 40-foot hole in the side of the ship, and killed seventeen sailors. "We will find out who is responsible," vowed President Clinton, "and hold them accountable." The U.S. found out al-Qaeda was responsible, but did not hold them accountable: no missile strikes, no court trials. Ten years gone, the Cole bombing is still an open wound. "The nation reacted to 9/11," says Commander Lippold, "but before 9/11 there was 10/12." We reconstruct the events of that day, and we examine America's security in the days and decade after the attack. 

Executive Producer: Aaron Lobel / AAM Producers: Monica Bushman, Sean Carberry, Jordana Gustafson, Matt Ozug, Chris Williams. With editing by Martha Little / Web Producer: Javier Barrera / Photo: Wikipedia. Host: Ray Suarez

+ Sailors Aboard The USS Cole Tell Their Stories

Sailors aboard the USS Cole tell their stories about surviving the attack on October 12, 2000.

Story Transcript: Sailors aboard the USS Cole tell their stories.pdf

+ Crewmembers’ Efforts After The Attack

Jordana Gustafson reports on crewmembers’ efforts to save wounded shipmates and to keep the ship from sinking.

Story Transcript: Crewmembers’ efforts after the attack.pdf

+ The Investigation Into The Cole Bombing

Deborah Amos looks back at the investigation into the Cole bombing. She examines the difficulties US authorities faced as the they worked the Cole case, and the critical evidence they uncovered.

Story Transcript: The investigation into the Cole bombing.pdf

+ Anton Gunn, Remembering His Brother

Anton Gunn remembers the day his brother, Cherone Lewis Gunn, was killed aboard the Cole.

Story Transcript: Anton Gunn.pdf

+ An Interview With Dr. Philip Zelikow

Deborah Amos speaks with Dr. Philip Zelikow, Executive Director of the 9/11 Commission, about the continuing search for justice and the connections between 10/12 and 9/11.

Story Transcript: An interview with Dr Zelikow.pdf

+ Reflections 10 Years Later

Sailors, family members and investigators reflect on seeking closure ten years after the attack.

Story Transcript: Reflections 10 years later.pdf