Tuesday, October 12, 2010

USS COLE (DDG-67); 10 years on

The Commanding Officer of the COLE when it was attacked, CDR Kirk Lippold, USN (Ret.) continues to serve the Navy and his crew by keeping the story of the COLE in the public arena through today, the 10th anniversary of the attack.

If you haven't already, I encourage you to listen to his visit to Midrats last Sunday, but also to head on over to his post at USNIBlog.

He outlines simply much of the message from the attack.
Today, the military is fully engaged in a war effort to stem the tide of al Qaeda and its radical brand of Islam. As we were warned, this will be long-term fight with a determined enemy willing to die for their cause. While fortunate to date that no large-scale attacks have been successfully carried out within our borders, it is up to everyone to keep up their guard and not allow complacency to overtake the daily grind of our jobs, school and kid’s soccer games.
He's participating in comments - so stop by and add your $.02.
at

9 comments:

  1. Byron07:01

    For those that missed it Sunday, you really need to listen to it. Sunday was probably the best show ever, and that's telling you a lot given the quality of Phib's guests.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Salty Gator08:39

    CDR Lippold, I have been a part of AT/FP primarily as a collateral during my time on active duty, my time on the design team for DDG 1000 (where we were very concerned about learning from the COLE attack), to sitting at the Pentagon.  I have always been amazed that most commands assign their worst and non-brightest to AT/FP in one breath, but then claim it is their "number one" priority in the next.  What is your feelings on the quality of sailor and officer that is assigned "ATFP?"
    Besides the creation of NECC, what do you think we can do to make AT/FP a priority?  My personal opinion is that we need to treat AT/FP responsibility and armed watchstanding the same way we treat Damage Control--start in Boot Camp / NROTC / Academy / OCS and build from their.  DC and ATFP should be everyone's responsibility.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Andrewdb13:43

    Very true words from CDR L.  Constant vigilance. 

    It may have just gotten worse.

    http://pajamasmedia.com/michaeltotten/2010/10/11/the-muslim-brotherhoods-declaration-of-war/

    ReplyDelete
  4. Redeye8019:55

    Well, I've waited all day for the White House to make a statement on the anniversary of this attack.  I guess I'll have to wait until next year. Sigh!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jay20:00

    The ceremony today was very well done. If you get a chance, google ADM Harvey's remarks.

    ReplyDelete
  6. ShawnP21:14

    A stop by the Cole Memorial and Iowa should be mandatory for anyone stopping by Norfolk or stationed there.

    ReplyDelete
  7. SCOTTtheBADGER21:57

    That isn't the IOWA in Norfolk, that's WISCONSIN, the BIG BADGER BOAT!

    ReplyDelete
  8. ShawnP11:14

    Iowa memorial is.....

    ReplyDelete
  9. leesea22:41

    From another old Gator sailor:  Yes indeed AT/FP starts inside the lifelines.  Using NECC personnel as ship riders is NOT the appropriate solution.  Yes indeed traing sailors to defend their ship starts at boot camp and should continue with live fire training/exercises continually while onboard.
    As an aside maybe then all these accidental discharges of watchstander weapons might also subside?

    ReplyDelete