Cole Bombing a Reminder to Sailors

SANTA RITA, Guam - A retired Sailor from the USS Cole (DDG 67) spoke to Sailors at Naval Base Guam about his experience aboard the destroyer.

Retired Command Master Chief James Parlier spoke to Sailors about the Cole bombing and the crew's heroism.

"I think it's so important that we don't forget our history, especially in the Navy family," Parlier said. "I remember how I learned a lot by listening to stories about World War II and Vietnam War ... I think there are a lot of lessons we are still learning from the (USS Cole) bombing."

Parlier was the command master chief of Cole when it was attacked Oct. 12, 2000, while in Aden, Yemen. Seventeen Sailors were killed and 39 others were injured. The attack was the deadliest against a U.S. naval vessel since the Iraqi attack on USS Stark (FFG 31) in May 1987.

"Through all the chaos, we got all the wounded and all the fallen Sailors off the ship, and I attribute it to the Sailors, their dedication and their training," Parlier said to an audience of more than 400 Sailors. "And that's what I tell Sailors today – to pay attention to what's being taught, to your training, because you might have to use it one day."

Parlier recalled the Sailors who quickly responded after the attack in order to save the ship and her crew. He also spoke of those who were killed or injured, like a 19-year-old petty officer with whom he discussed a future in the Navy only a week before the bombing.

"He was standing in the mess decks, where the blast struck," Parlier said. "He survived the blast, but his legs took the brunt of the explosion."

Senior Chief Electrician's Mate (SW/AW) Fred Strozier was aboard Cole nine years ago. Currently assigned to USS Frank Cable (AS 40), Strozier hoped Parlier's accounts of that day helped Sailors better understand the importance of training.

"All this training we do day in and day out on board the ship doesn't go unnoticed and it doesn't go unused," said Strozier. "We need to be prepared and that's what we train for."

The Cole's bombing has had a long-lasting impact on the Navy, which has stepped up anti-terrorism and force protection methods at home and abroad.