I don't believe clinton was ever called for permission to fire on the small boat approaching the USS Cole.
Can you provide more details?
thanx
I thought that the Cole did not have permission to fire their weapons in port and that their guns were not loaded.
My recollection ( could be wrong ) is that the DOD had given orders to the Captain to not post armed guards in port. Also that the Captain was not aware of the attack until after the explosion.
Please help me if I am wrong.