USS Cole DDG-67 Comes Home

The USS Cole completed its journey across the Atlantic on December 13^th. The Norwegian-owned heavy-lift ship, the Blue Marlin, transported the Cole to Litton Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss., where it was christened in February 1995, to be repaired.

Den Knecht, vice president of industrial relations for Ingalls, said it will take about a year to complete the repairs and cost roughly $240 million. Knecht said that they will start on the repairs on January 8^th.

The following pictures are of the USS Cole secured in place on the deck of the Norwegian transport ship Blue Marlin for her journey home.

The close up picture shows the real size of the hole in the ship's port side. For the first time you can see the amount of damage that was done below the waterline.

Click on picture to view a full-size image.

The Atlanta Chapter Board of Directors has approved a contribution directly to the USS Cole's morale, welfare, and recreation fund.