USS Cole's return is a triumph for our nation

Before Sept. 11 and Osama bin Laden and the War on Terrorism became part of our everyday language, the USS Cole was the first hint many Americans had of the ugliness to come.

On Oct. 12, 2000, the guided missile destroyer was in a Yemini port for refueling when a small boat packed with explosives was detonated beside it, blasting a hole in the Cole's side. Seventeen sailors were killed and 39 were injured in the attack, which has been linked to bin Laden.

The ship was nudged into dry dock two months later. At the time, few could have anticipated such a speedy and triumphant return to the water.

But on April 19, a completely repaired and battle-ready Cole returned to duty, its crew including 40 sailors who survived the 2000 attack.

The ship was repaired at Northrop Grumman's Ingalls Shipyard in Norfolk, Va. Work stopped as 1,000 employees said good-bye to the USS Cole.

Ingalls president Philip Dur, a retired rear admiral, said it best: "They wanted to show that America is bloodied, but she is not bowed."