Aden -- On October 12, 2025, the United States marked the 25th anniversary of the bombing of the USS Cole, a guided missile destroyer attacked by al-Qaeda operatives while refueling in the port of Aden, Yemen. The suicide bombing, which killed 17 U.S. Navy sailors and injured 37 others, remains one of the deadliest assaults on a U.S. naval vessel since the 1987 USS Stark incident.

The attack occurred at 11:18 a.m. local time on October 12, 2000, when a small boat laden with explosives approached the USS Cole and detonated alongside its hull, tearing a 40-by-60-foot hole into the ship’s side. The explosion caused massive structural damage and triggered an international crisis, prompting immediate deployment of FBI evidence response teams and a global counterterrorism investigation.

The bombing was later claimed by al-Qaeda, and is widely regarded as a precursor to the September 11 attacks less than a year later. It exposed critical vulnerabilities in U.S. military logistics and port security, especially in volatile regions, and led to sweeping changes in naval protocols and force protection measures.

In commemorative events held this week, survivors, families of the fallen, and military officials reflected on the tragedy and its enduring legacy. Bob Overturf, a sailor aboard the USS Cole during the attack, recalled the ominous atmosphere upon arrival in Aden and the crew’s unease with local harbor procedures. His account underscores the tension and uncertainty that preceded the explosion.

The anniversary also reignites discussion about the broader geopolitical context in Yemen, which has remained unstable due to ongoing conflict, humanitarian crises, and the presence of extremist groups. The port of Aden, once a strategic refueling hub, has since become emblematic of the region’s volatility.

Over the past 25 years, the U.S. has pursued justice for the victims, with several suspects captured or killed in counterterrorism operations. However, some perpetrators remain at large, and the attack continues to serve as a sobering reminder of the global reach of terrorism and the sacrifices made by service members.

As the world reflects on the USS Cole bombing, the message from survivors and military leaders is clear: honor the fallen, learn from the past, and remain vigilant in the face of evolving threats.