Time-lapse photos of the recovery of the USS Cole.

[Happy2BMe]

Rare Photos

These are time-lapse photos of the recovery of the USS Cole.

In the first photo, a transport ship is "flooded" to allow it underneath the disabled USS Cole.
Cole was transported from Aden to Pascagoula by the Norwegian heavy transport ship M/V Blue Marlin.
As the photos progress, the USS Cole is secured to the deck of the transport ship.
Then the transport is slowly raised to the surface of the water to get underway.

DETERMINED WARRIORS
Seventeen of their shipmates
Paid the price, supreme
Thirty-some more, hurting
Like in some nightmarish dream.

But, it wasn't a bad dream
Just the reality, of life
When you go into harms way
In this world of war and strife.

They gave their lives like those before them
Who fight for truth and liberty
For the safety of our country
And countries too, across the sea.

They sail upon the seven seas
Months on end out on patrol
And sometimes, so sadly
Must pay a deadly toll.

"It comes with the territory."
Is what some, may say
But that doesn't ease the pain
Of the price they have to pay.

[freedumb2003]

I think Admiral, but which one? (I'm not Navy)

Good question, now I see the context. The FReeper canteen folk can probably answer (thats why I pinged KIA but she gets busy).

But I still think my answer is funny (and remember, Capt Kirk was an Admiral at 37 when Picard was taking his first command). But of course IMHO.

[Happy2BMe]

Hehe...

Wanns see something else funny . .

U.S.S.R. is what Ronald Reagan defeated.

U.S.S.R.R. was names after that victory.

:~)

[Atchafalaya]

Clinton forgot it quicker than anyone else!

[SevenDaysInMay]

The scale of this technology is stunning, almost as stunning as the Clintons/Gore dereliction.

A good reminder of the Dem-Politburo's national defense policy.

We're short of armored Humvees because of the Clintons/Gore administration. Tonight I heard on local news that we have but one factory up-armoring those wagons. No wonder.

Kerry is a sham and dangerous, just another Frenchman who marries for his money. 2 bits says he would put Hillary on the SCOTUS, Chief Justice. International socialism and its elite fascism needs the Democrats' elite in power.

[Happy2BMe]

I would put absolutely NOTHING past ANY DEMONCRAT - NOTHING!

[ican'tbelieveit]

I hadn't seen these pics; thanks for posting them. Amazing. I would be in awe to see the USS Cole, much less that heavy transport ship.

[SevenDaysInMay]

Soros as Treasury Sec.?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Great series of pictures. That transport ship is amazing. And it is amazing what our guys did to keep the USS Cole afloat. Thanks, free, for the ping.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Captain James A. Symonds Commanding Officer

He served as Deputy Director of Operations for Counterdrug Operations in US SOUTHERN COMMAND, Miami, FL from May 2001 to March 2003. Captain Symonds assumed command of USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) in August 2003.

[Happy2BMe]

Four bars = Captain / O-6

[OldFriend]

Be nice if someone could get on CSPIN with the truth now and then.

[B4Ranch]

Weren't you in the AF?

[AngryJawa]

It pains me to no end to know that Ronald Reagan can no longer witness CVN-76 joining the fleet. Same for missile defense.

[Happy2BMe]

Yes, I am retired Air Force. I had never worked around Navy and couldn't remember what a Navy O-6 rank looked like. I was thinking a ship captain could be a higher rank than an O-6.

[OXENinFLA]

So THAT's how they got it on the bardge.

[Happy2BMe]

"It pains me to no end to know that Ronald Reagan can no longer witness . ."

True, be we can rest assured that he would be proud and appreciate it as much as we who are able to.

[HoustonCurmudgeon]

Both the Captain and the XO are O-6's (Captains).

[Lockbar]

From the size of that hole, you have to give giant credit to the damage control guys that kept her from completely sinking. A salute to them, and to those that died.

[B4Ranch]

"couldn't remember what a Navy O-6 rank looked like."

Your rememberer is broke too. What fun we're having. LOL

[lstanle]

"I was thinking a ship captain could be a higher rank than an O-6."

I believe you are correct.

Also the captain of a smaller ship could be lower than an O-6"