Which U.S. Navy destroyer suffered a terrorist attack on October 12, 2000?

On October 12, 2000, the U.S. Navy destroyer Cole was attacked by a small boat laden with explosives during a brief refueling stop in the harbor of Aden, Yemen. The suicide terrorist attack killed 17 members of the ship’s crew, wounded 39 others, and seriously damaged the ship. Evidence developed from the attack suggested that it might have been carried out by Islamic militants with possible connections to the terrorist network led by Osama bin Ladin. In time, al-Qaeda claimed responsibility.

The FBI, Defense Department, and Navy launched investigations to determine culpability for the attack and to review military (Navy) anti-terrorist procedures. A special panel from the Defense Department conducted a detailed review of the facts and circumstances. In January 2001, the panel issued a report which avoided assigning blame but found significant shortcomings in security against terrorist attacks, including inadequate training and intelligence.

On January 23, 2001, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman, John Warner, announced intentions for the Committee to hold its own investigation. Issues for Congress included the adequacy of procedures by U.S. forces to protect against terrorist attacks; intelligence related to potential terrorist attacks; and U.S. anti-terrorism policy and response.

As a direct consequence of the USS Cole bombing, the U.S. Navy reconsidered and actively changed their rules of engagement in response to terrorist attacks.