Yemen, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Bob Overturf, a former sailor aboard the USS Cole, shares his poignant recollections as the 25th anniversary of the bombing is observed. The attack, which took place during a refueling stop in Yemen, resulted in 17 sailors’ deaths and many injuries. Overturf highlights the atmosphere preceding the tragedy and the challenges faced in its aftermath, including the mental health struggles of survivors and the recent settlement from Sudan linked to the incident.
Bowling Green native Bob Overturf, a former sailor aboard the USS Cole, recounted his harrowing experience during the 25th anniversary of the bombing, which occurred on October 12, 2025. The attack on the USS Cole remains one of the most significant terrorist assaults on American military personnel, killing 17 sailors and injuring many others during a fuel stop in Yemen.
At the time of the incident, Overturf and his crew were navigating through the Suez Canal and had stopped in Yemen to refuel. As they approached the country, the crew felt an ominous atmosphere. Overturf described the landscape as reminiscent of “Castle Grayskull from He-Man.” Additionally, sailors noted the harbormaster’s unusual insistence on the ship’s refueling position, raising suspicions among the crew.
Overturf had been on duty for over 30 hours straight and had just gone to rest minutes before the bomb struck. The explosion, caused by an explosive-laden small boat, created a massive 40-foot hole in the side of the USS Cole. It was a near miss for Overturf—he had just vacated the area where the bomb hit, undoubtedly avoiding what he later termed “a death sentence.”
Following the explosion, confusion reigned among the crew as they sprang into immediate action. Overturf recalled the moment vividly, grappling with his mortality and the fear that he would not return home to his daughter. Assistance arrived from the British ship HMS Marlborough and later from the American ship USS Donald Cook.
Food from the embassy delivered to the surviving sailors proved problematic, as many became ill from poorly prepared meals. Despite the traumatic circumstances, the crew managed to maneuver the damaged USS Cole to open water. There, the ship was lifted onto a specialized vessel, the Blue Marlin, for transport to Pascagoula, Mississippi, for repairs.
Overturf expressed the profound difficulty he faced in caring for the young sailors who perished in the attack, underscoring the need to honor and remember the victims of this tragic event. He stressed the importance of Cmdr. Kirk S. Lippold’s leadership during the crisis, which played a critical role in preventing further loss of life.
Alongside the physical scars from the attack, Overturf dealt with mental health challenges that included PTSD. After returning to the United States, he continued to serve on another ship but found the experience challenging due to his mental state. Thankfully, over time, he found help and worked to overcome his struggles within the veteran community, highlighting the resilience of service members.
In a parallel development, Sudan’s interim government reached a settlement with victims’ families linked to the USS Cole bombing. This settlement is part of Sudan’s efforts to improve relations with the United States and to be removed from the state sponsors of terror list. The negotiations included compensations for families affected by the bombing and the wounded sailors.
By officially acknowledging its past connections to al-Qaida related to the attack, Sudan aims to end its status as an international pariah and move forward on the path of reconciliation.
FAQs
What significant event is discussed in the article?
The article discusses the 25th anniversary of the USS Cole bombing, which occurred on October 12, 2025.
Who is Bob Overturf?
Bob Overturf is a Bowling Green native who served as a sailor aboard the USS Cole during the attack.
What happened during the attack on the USS Cole?
The bombing caused a 40-foot hole in the ship, killing 17 sailors and injuring many others.
How did the crew and Overturf react after the bombing?
Initially, sailors reacted with confusion and sprang into action immediately following the explosion.
What kind of mental health challenges did Overturf face?
Overturf struggled with PTSD after the attack and found it challenging to serve on another ship after returning to the United States.
What recent development is mentioned regarding Sudan?
Sudan’s government reached a settlement with victims’ families regarding the USS Cole attack, linked to efforts for improved relations with the U.S.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | USS Cole bombing |
| Date | October 12, 2000 |
| Location | Yemen |
| Casualties | 17 sailors killed, many injured |
| Assisting ships | HMS Marlborough, USS Donald Cook |
| Damage | 40-foot hole in USS Cole |
| Mental health impact | PTSD and trauma struggles for survivors |
| Recent Sudan settlement | Settlement with victims’ families linked to improved U.S. relations |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WNKY: Bowling Green Man Recounts Moments Aboard USS Cole
- Wikipedia: USS Cole bombing
- Navy Times: Retired Navy Commander Recounts USS Cole Attack
- Google Search: USS Cole attack
- Military Times: The USS Cole Attack: More Than 9/11
- Google Scholar: USS Cole bombing
- Legacy: Larry Paschal Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: USS Cole
- Military Times: Sudan Reaches Settlement with USS Cole Victims
- Google News: USS Cole settlement
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