USS Cole Navy Unit Commendation
The Secretary of the Navy
Washington D.C. 20350-1000
The President of the United States takes pleasure
in presenting the Navy Unit Commendation to USS Cole (DDG-67)
for service as set forth in the following
Citation:
For exceptionally meritorious service following a terrorist attack in the harbor of Aden, Yemen on 12 October 2000. The heroic actions of the crewmembers of USS Cole (DDG-67) saved their ship and the lives of countless shipmates. Amidst the chaos of the attack's aftermath, the crew fought tirelessly to limit flooding that threatened to sink their ship. Their prompt actions to isolate damaged electrical distribution systems and to protect vulnerable fuel oil systems prevented catastrophic fires that would have engulfed the ship. In conditions of extreme heat and unbearable stress, they fought fatigue, sleep deprivation, lack of shelter, and want of food to vigilantly preserve a secure perimeter and restore stability to engineering systems vital to the ship's survival. The crew of Cole, by their brave actions and discipline in the face of daunting adversity personified the Navy's Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. By their superb teamwork, unrelenting perseverance, and loyal dedication to duty, the officers and enlisted personnel of USS Cole (DDG-67) reflected great credit upon themselves and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
//Gordon R. England//
Secretary of the Navy
