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.

[RJL]

Thanks for posting.

That the USS Cole didn't sink is amazing, kudos to the crew, and the submersible transport ship is Waaaay Cool.

[Happy2BMe]

"A salute to them, and to those that died."

(This works for any American Serviceman.)

IT'S THE SOLDIER

It's the soldier, not the reporter
Who has given us freedom of the
PRESS.

It's the soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of
SPEECH.

It's the soldier, not the campus
ORGANIZER,
Who has given us the freedom to
DEMONSTRATE

It's the soldier, not the lawyer,
Who has given us the right to a
FAIR TRIAL.
It's the soldier who salutes the flag,
Serves under the flag
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who gives the protester the right to burn the flag.

-Father D. E. O'Brien

 

[freedumb2003]

Thanks for the info. I think it is great how we have such helpful and knowledgable people here at FR.

You know, I mentioned you in passing somewhere in the thread, but lazily abbreviated your nickname. It just hit me what those initials mean in military parlance and I DO NOT want to use that reference again. I think I'll spell your handle out from now on, dontchaknow.

Take care of yourself