On this day in history, October 12, 2000, terror attack on USS Cole kills 17 American sailors, wounds dozens

Join Fox News for free access to select articles and premium content by entering your email. On this day in 2000, the USS Cole was attacked by al-Qaeda suicide bombers in Yemen, killing 17 sailors. Admiral Grady reflected on the attack, which foreshadowed 9/11. The crew valiantly fought to save their ship. The USS Cole was repaired and returned to service in 2003. The 17 sailors killed were remembered and honored. The attack, along with other missed opportunities, highlighted the growing al-Qaeda threat. The world was shaken by the 9/11 attacks led by bin Laden. The USS Cole attack was a precursor to the War on Terror, with sailors unknowingly on the front lines.