USS Cole In Memoriam─Honoring Those Lost
The following individuals were killed in the line of duty as a result of the 12 October 2000 terrorist attack on USS Cole in Aden Harbor, Yemen.
- CLODFELTER, KENNETH E., Hull Maintenance Technician Second Class, USN
- COSTELOW, RICHARD D., Chief Electronics Technician, USN
- FRANCIS, LAKEINA M., Mess Management Specialist Seaman, USN
- GAUNA, TIMOTHY L., Information Systems Technician Seaman, USN
- GUNN, CHERONE L., Signalman Seaman, USN
- MCDANIELS, JAMES R., Information Systems Technician Seaman, USN
- NIETO, MARC I., Engineman Second Class (Surface Warfare Specialist), USN
- OWENS, RONALD S., Electronic Warfare Technician Second Class, USN
- PALMER, LAKIBA N., Seaman, USN
- PARLETT, JOSHUA L., Engineman Fireman, USN
- ROY, PATRICK H., Fireman, USN
- RUX, KEVIN S., Electronic Warfare Technician First Class, USN
- SANTIAGO, RONCHESTER M., Mess Management Specialist Third Class, USN
- SAUNDERS, TIMOTHY L., Operations Specialist Second Class, USN
- SWENCHONIS JR, GARY G., Fireman, USN
- TRIPLETT, ANDREW, Lieutenant Junior Grade, USN
- WIBBERLEY, CRAIG B., Seaman, USN
Kenneth Eugene Clodfelter was born on 26 December 1978, at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado, to John and Gloria Clodfelter. He attended Lee-Davis High School in Mechanicsville, Virginia, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 25 June 1997.
Clodfelter attended Basic Training and Hull Maintenance Technician “A” and “C” schools in Great Lakes, Illinois. He reported to USS Cole (DDG-67) on 27 March 1998.
Clodfelter was killed in the line of duty when a terrorist bomb was detonated along the port side of the ship while it was refueling in Aden, Yemen, on 12 October 2000.
Petty Officer Clodfelter was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, and the rank of Hull Maintenance Technician Second Class. He held the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Sources: USS Cole (DDG-67) Med Cruise 2000 (August 8–November 3, 2000) Cruise Book in the collection of the Naval History and Heritage Command’s Navy Department Library. Awards and citations are sourced from the service member’s official military personnel file and listed in the Navy Department Awards Web Service site and may not be complete.
29 April 1965–12 October 2000
Richard Dean Costelow was born on 29 April 1965, in Trenton, New Jersey, to George and Dorothy Costelow. He graduated from Morrisville High School in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, in 1983, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 23 May 1988.
Costelow attended Basic Training in San Diego, California, and then went to Great Lakes, Illinois, for training as an electronics technician. After graduating from “C” school in 1989, he was stationed in Sigonella, Sicily, for two years. Beginning in January 1992, he was stationed for almost six years at the White House Communications Agency. Following training at the Center for Surface Combat Systems in Norfolk, Virginia, Costelow reported to USS Cole (DDG-67) on 5 January 1998 as an Electronics Technician First Class. He served aboard Cole for her maiden deployment, which began in February 1998. He was promoted to Chief Petty Officer on 16 September 2000.
Costelow was killed in the line of duty when a terrorist bomb was detonated along the port side of the ship while it was refueling in Aden, Yemen, on 12 October 2000.
Chief Electronics Technician Costelow was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, and Navy Unit Commendation. He held the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award (two awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, and Presidential Service Badge.
Sources: USS Cole (DDG-67) Med Cruise 2000 (August 8–November 3, 2000) Cruise Book in the collection of the Naval History and Heritage Command’s Navy Department Library. Awards and citations are sourced from the service member’s official military personnel file and listed in the Navy Department Awards Web Service site and may not be complete.
7 June 1981–12 October 2000
Lakeina Monique Francis was born on 7 June 1981 to Ronald and Sarah Francis. She graduated from Eastern Wayne High School in Goldsboro, North Carolina, in 1999, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy 11 April 2000.
After attending Basic Training in Great Lakes, Illinois, Francis was a student at Mess Management Specialist School in Gulfport, Mississippi. She reported to USS Cole (DDG-67) on 27 September 2000.
Francis was killed in the line of duty when a terrorist bomb was detonated along the port side of the ship while it was refueling in Aden, Yemen, on 12 October 2000.
Mess Management Specialist Seaman Francis was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, and Navy Unit Commendation.
Sources: USS Cole (DDG-67) Med Cruise 2000 (August 8–November 3, 2000) Cruise Book in the collection of the Naval History and Heritage Command’s Navy Department Library. Awards and citations are sourced from the service member’s official military personnel file and listed in the Navy Department Awards Web Service site and may not be complete.
12 November 1978–12 October 2000
Timothy Lee Gauna was born on 12 November 1978 in Dallas, Texas, to Sarah Gauna. He graduated from Ennis High School in Ennis, Texas, in 1997, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 19 February 1999.
Gauna completed Basic Training in Great Lakes, Illinois, on 29 April 1999. He was then a student at Surface Warfare Enlisted Schools Command, also at Great Lakes. He reported to USS Cole (DDG-67) on 12 August 1999.
Gauna was killed in the line of duty when a terrorist bomb was detonated along the port side of the ship while it was refueling in Aden, Yemen, on 12 October 2000.
Information Systems Technician Seaman Gauna was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, and Navy Unit Commendation. He held the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Sources: USS Cole (DDG-67) Med Cruise 2000 (August 8–November 3, 2000) Cruise Book in the collection of the Naval History and Heritage Command’s Navy Department Library. Awards and citations are sourced from the service member’s official military personnel file and listed in the Navy Department Awards Web Service site and may not be complete.
14 February 1978–12 October 2000
Cherone Louis Gunn was born on 14 February 1978 in Portsmouth, Virginia, to Louge and Mona Gunn. He graduated from Kempsville High School in 1997, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy 20 January 2000.
After completing Basic Training in Great Lakes, Illinois, on 29 March 2000, Gunn was a student at Surface Warfare School Command, also at Great Lakes, completing training on 5 May 2000. He reported to USS Cole (DDG-67) on 23 May 2000.
Gunn was killed in the line of duty when a terrorist bomb was detonated along the port side of the ship while it was refueling in Aden, Yemen, on 12 October 2000.
Seaman Apprentice Gunn was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, and the rank of Signalman Seaman.
Sources: USS Cole (DDG-67) Med Cruise 2000 (August 8–November 3, 2000) Cruise Book in the collection of the Naval History and Heritage Command’s Navy Department Library. Awards and citations are sourced from the service member’s official military personnel file and listed in the Navy Department Awards Web Service site and may not be complete.
27 April 1981–12 October 2000
James Rodrick McDaniels was born on 27 April 1981 to Dianne McDaniels and James McLaughlin. He graduated from Norview High School in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1999, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 8 December 1999.
After completing Basic Training in Great Lakes, Illinois, on 16 February 2000, McDaniels was a student at Surface Warfare School Command, also at Great Lakes, completing training on 31 May 2000. He reported to USS Cole (DDG-67) on 15 June 2000.
McDaniels was killed in the line of duty when a terrorist bomb was detonated along the port side of the ship while it was refueling in Aden, Yemen, on 12 October 2000.
Information Systems Technician Seaman McDaniels was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, and Navy Unit Commendation.
Sources: USS Cole (DDG-67) Med Cruise 2000 (August 8–November 3, 2000) Cruise Book in the collection of the Naval History and Heritage Command’s Navy Department Library. Awards and citations are sourced from the service member’s official military personnel file and listed in the Navy Department Awards Web Service site and may not be complete.
25 July 1976–12 October 2000
Marc Ian Nieto was born on 25 July 1976, in Champaign, Illinois, to Jesse Nieto and Sharon Priepke. He graduated from an alternative program run by Fond du Lac Goodrich High School one year ahead of his class and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 7 December 1994.
After completing Basic Training in Great Lakes, Illinois, on 23 February 1995, Nieto was a student at Surface Warfare Enlisted Schools Command, also at Great Lakes, completing training on 5 July 1995. He completed precommissioning training in San Diego, California, on 22 November 1995, and reported to USS Cole’s (DDG-67) precommissioning unit four days later.
Nieto was killed in the line of duty when a terrorist bomb was detonated along the port side of the ship while it was refueling in Aden, Yemen, on 12 October 2000.
Engineman Second Class (Surface Warfare Specialist) Nieto was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, and Navy Unit Commendation. He held numerous awards, including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, letters of commendation, letters of appreciation, designation as an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, and Junior “Determined Warrior” of the Quarter from October to December 1998.
Sources: USS Cole (DDG-67) Med Cruise 2000 (August 8–November 3, 2000) Cruise Book in the collection of the Naval History and Heritage Command’s Navy Department Library. Awards and citations are sourced from the service member’s official military personnel file and listed in the Navy Department Awards Web Service site and may not be complete.
31 October 1975–12 October 2000
Ronald Scott Owens was born on 31 October 1975. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 2 November 1998.
After completing Basic Training in Great Lakes, Illinois, on 8 January 1999, Owens was a student at the Center for Naval Intelligence in San Diego, California, completing training on 11 January 2000. He reported to USS Cole (DDG-67) on 23 January 2000.
Owens was killed in the line of duty when a terrorist bomb was detonated along the port side of the ship while it was refueling in Aden, Yemen, on 12 October 2000.
Petty Officer Owens was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, and the rank of Electronic Warfare Technician Second Class.
Sources: USS Cole (DDG-67) Med Cruise 2000 (August 8–November 3, 2000) Cruise Book in the collection of the Naval History and Heritage Command’s Navy Department Library. Awards and citations are sourced from the service member’s official military personnel file and listed in the Navy Department Awards Web Service site and may not be complete.
12 March 1978–12 October 2000
Lakiba Nicole Palmer was born on 12 March 1978. She graduated from San Diego High School in San Diego, California, in 1996, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 3 November 1997.
After completing Basic Training in Great Lakes, Illinois, on 29 December 1997, Palmer was a student at Surface Warfare School Command, also at Great Lakes, completing training on 11 February 1998. She reported to USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) on 23 February 1998, and then to Transient Personnel Unit in Norfolk, Virginia, on 5 February 1999. She was stationed at Naval Station Norfolk from 23 April 1999 to 8 July 1999, and then with Naval Support Activity, Hampton Roads, Virginia, until 12 May 2000. She reported to USS Cole (DDG-67) on 2 June 2000.
Palmer was killed in the line of duty when a terrorist bomb was detonated along the port side of the ship while it was refueling in Aden, Yemen, on 12 October 2000.
Seaman Apprentice Palmer was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, and the rank of Seaman.
Sources: USS Cole (DDG-67) Med Cruise 2000 (August 8–November 3, 2000) Cruise Book in the collection of the Naval History and Heritage Command’s Navy Department Library. Awards and citations are sourced from the service member’s official military personnel file and listed in the Navy Department Awards Web Service site and may not be complete.
8 July 1981–12 October 2000
Joshua Langdon Parlett was born on 8 July 1981 in Rosedale, Maryland, to Leroy and Etta Parlett. He graduated from Harford Christian School in 1999, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 31 August 1999.
After completing Basic Training in Great Lakes, Illinois, on 10 November 1999, Parlett was a student at Surface Warfare Enlisted Schools Command until 10 March 2000. He completed training at the Center for Surface Combat Systems Detachment East, Norfolk, Virginia, on 9 June 2000. He reported to USS Cole(DDG-67) on 10 June 2000.
Parlett was killed in the line of duty when a terrorist bomb was detonated along the port side of the ship while it was refueling in Aden, Yemen, on 12 October 2000.
Fireman Apprentice Parlett was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, and the rank of Engineman Fireman.
Sources: USS Cole (DDG-67) Med Cruise 2000 (August 8–November 3, 2000) Cruise Book in the collection of the Naval History and Heritage Command’s Navy Department Library. Awards and citations are sourced from the service member’s official military personnel file and listed in the Navy Department Awards Web Service site and may not be complete.
6 March 1981–12 October 2000
Patrick Howard Roy was born on 6 March 1981 in Washington, D.C., to Michael Roy and Kathy Brown. He graduated from Storm King High School, Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York, in 1999, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 28 July 1999.
After completing Basic Training in Great Lakes, Illinois, on 5 October 1999, Roy was a student at Surface Warfare Engineering School, also at Great Lakes, completing training on 28 October 1999. He reported to USS Cole (DDG-67) on 16 November 1999. He advanced to Fireman Apprentice on 16 May 2000.
Roy was killed in the line of duty when a terrorist bomb was detonated along the port side of the ship while it was refueling in Aden, Yemen, on 12 October 2000.
Fireman Apprentice Roy was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, and the rank of Fireman.
Sources: USS Cole (DDG-67) Med Cruise 2000 (August 8–November 3, 2000) Cruise Book in the collection of the Naval History and Heritage Command’s Navy Department Library. Awards and citations are sourced from the service member’s official military personnel file and listed in the Navy Department Awards Web Service site and may not be complete.
31 October 1969–12 October 2000
Kevin Shawn Rux was born on 31 October 1969 to Sandra Flanagan. He graduated from May Port High School in Mayville, North Dakota, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 25 October 1988.
Following Basic Training in Orlando, Florida, and training at Naval Technical Training Command in Pensacola, Florida, he reported to USS Taylor (FFG-50) on 5 July 1989. He returned to Naval Technical Training Command in January 1991, and then was assigned to USS Deyo (DD-989) on 22 October 1991. Beginning 2 November 1994, he was a student at Naval Technical Training Center Det. Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. On 10 January 1995, he reported to Submarine Base New London, Connecticut, where he was stationed until 9 January 1998. He reported to USS Cole (DDG-67) on 15 December 1999.
Rux was killed in the line of duty when a terrorist bomb was detonated along the port side of the ship while it was refueling in Aden, Yemen on 12 October 2000.
Petty Officer Rux was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, and the rank of Electronic Warfare Technician First Class. He held numerous awards and decorations, including the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy “E” Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal (two awards), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon.
Sources: USS Cole (DDG-67) Med Cruise 2000 (August 8–November 3, 2000) Cruise Book in the collection of the Naval History and Heritage Command’s Navy Department Library. Awards and citations are sourced from the service member’s official military personnel file and listed in the Navy Department Awards Web Service site and may not be complete.
10 February 1978–12 October 2000
Ronchester Mananga Santiago was born on 10 February 1978 to Rogelio and Simeona Santiago. He completed requirements at Kingsville Alternative High School in December 1996, and was a 1997 graduate of H. M. King High School in Kingsville, Texas. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 11 December 1996.
After completing Basic Training in Great Lakes, Illinois, on 19 March 1997, Santiago was a student at Surface Warfare Engineering School, also at Great Lakes, completing training on 10 April 1997. He served aboard USS Constitution from 25 April 1997 until 7 January 2000. He reported to USS Cole (DDG-67) on 7 February 2000.
Santiago was killed in the line of duty when a terrorist bomb was detonated along the port side of the ship while it was refueling in Aden, Yemen, on 12 October 2000.
Mess Management Specialist Third Class Santiago was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, and Navy Unit Commendation. He held the Meritorious Unit Commendation.
Sources: USS Cole (DDG-67) Med Cruise 2000 (August 8–November 3, 2000) Cruise Book in the collection of the Naval History and Heritage Command’s Navy Department Library. Awards and citations are sourced from the service member’s official military personnel file and listed in the Navy Department Awards Web Service site and may not be complete.
20 August 1968–12 October 2000
Timothy Lamont Saunders was born on 20 August 1968 to Betty Saunders. He graduated from Dan River High School in Danville, Virginia, in 1986. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 10 July 1989.
After completing Basic Training in Great Lakes, Illinois, on 12 October 1989, he reported to USS Wisconsin(BB-64), where he was stationed until 31 March 1992. He joined the crew of USS Enterprise (CVN-65) on 15 April 1992, and served until 2 June 1993, leaving to report to Operations Specialist “A” School. On 8 December 1993, he reported to USS George Washington (CVN-73) and, beginning on 19 February 1996, he was a student at Fleet Combat Training Center Atlantic Fleet in Dam Neck, Virginia. On 9 July 1999, he reported for duty on USS Cole (DDG-67).
Saunders was killed in the line of duty when a terrorist bomb was detonated along the port side of the ship while it was refueling in Aden, Yemen, on 12 October 2000.
Operations Specialist Second Class Saunders was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, and Navy Unit Commendation. He held the Navy “E” Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Sources: USS Cole (DDG-67) Med Cruise 2000 (August 8–November 3, 2000) Cruise Book in the collection of the Naval History and Heritage Command’s Navy Department Library. Awards and citations are sourced from the service member’s official military personnel file and listed in the Navy Department Awards Web Service site and may not be complete.
1 September 1974–12 October 2000
Gary Graham Swenchonis Jr. was born on 1 September 1974 at Fort Hood, Texas, to Gary Sr. and Deborah Swenchonis. Gary graduated from Rockport-Fulton High School in Rockport, Texas, in 1994, and enlisted in the U.S. Army for four years. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 14 January 1999.
After completing Basic Training in Great Lakes, Illinois, on 4 June 1999, Swenchonis was a student at Surface Warfare Engineering School, also at Great Lakes, completing training on 20 August 1999. He reported to USS Cole (DDG-67) on 30 October 1999.
Swenchonis was killed in the line of duty when a terrorist bomb was detonated along the port side of the ship while it was refueling in Aden, Yemen, on 12 October 2000.
Fireman Apprentice Swenchonis was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, and the rank of Fireman. He earned many medals and decorations while serving in the Army, including the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon.
Sources: USS Cole (DDG-67) Med Cruise 2000 (August 8–November 3, 2000) Cruise Book in the collection of the Naval History and Heritage Command’s Navy Department Library. Awards and citations are sourced from the service member’s official military personnel file and listed in the Navy Department Awards Web Service site and may not be complete.
20 June 1969–12 October 2000
Andrew Triplett was born on 20 June 1969 in Macon, Mississippi, to Ree and Savannah Triplett. He graduated from Noxubee County High School in Macon, Mississippi, in 1987, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 2 June 1987.
After completing Basic Training in Great Lakes, Illinois, on 1 August 1987, Triplett attended Basic Training and Engineman "A" School, also in Great Lakes. Upon completion of training, he reported to USS Sphinx(ARL-24), homeported in Rodman, Panama, on 28 December 1987. While on board Sphinx, he was advanced to Engineman Second Class.
On 6 July 1991, Triplett reported to Ship’s Intermediate Maintenance Activity, Naval Station New York, NY, for duty as the Leading Petty Officer of the Air Conditioning & Refrigeration shop. While there, he was advanced to Engineman First Class. He was a student at the Center for Surface Combat Systems in San Diego, California, before reporting to USS Ticonderoga (CG-47), homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, on 29 July 1994. On 20 January 1998, he reported to USS Halyburton (FFG-40).
Chief Petty Officer Triplett was commissioned as an Ensign on 1 April 1999 under the Limited Duty Officer Program, and he reported to USS Cole (DDG-67) on 17 May 1999 as the Main Propulsion Assistant.
Triplett was killed in the line of duty when a terrorist bomb was detonated along the port side of the ship while it was refueling in Aden, Yemen, on 12 October 2000.
Ensign Triplett was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, and the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. His held the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), a previous award of the Navy Unit Commendation, Navy “E” Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal (two awards), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and NATO Medal.
Sources: USS Cole (DDG-67) Med Cruise 2000 (August 8–November 3, 2000) Cruise Book in the collection of the Naval History and Heritage Command’s Navy Department Library. Awards and citations are sourced from the service member’s official military personnel file and listed in the Navy Department Awards Web Service site and may not be complete.
7 August 1981–12 October 2000
Craig Bryan Wibberley was born on 7 August 1981 in Hagerstown, Maryland, to Thomas and Patricia Wibberley. He graduated from Washington County Technical High School and Williamsport High School in 1999, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 20 July 1999.
After completing Basic Training in Great Lakes, Illinois, on 24 September 1999, he was a student at Surface Warfare School Command, also in Great Lakes. He reported to USS Cole (DDG-67) on 10 November 1999.
Wibberley was killed in the line of duty when a terrorist bomb was detonated along the port side of the ship while it was refueling in Aden, Yemen, on 12 October 2000.
Seaman Apprentice Wibberley was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, and the rank of Seaman.
Sources: USS Cole (DDG-67) Med Cruise 2000 (August 8–November 3, 2000) Cruise Book in the collection of the Naval History and Heritage Command’s Navy Department Library. Awards and citations are sourced from the service member’s official military personnel file and listed in the Navy Department Awards Web Service site and may not be complete.
