[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 128 (Friday, October 13, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S10604]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      OUTSTANDING MILITARY PERSONNEL AND THEIR SOPHISTICATED SHIPS

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, the U.S.S. Cole was built in my hometown of 
Pascagoula, MS. I have been on it. I have visited with the sailors, the 
crew, and officers on many of these ships --destroyers, cruisers, and 
LHDs--that are built there. It is always a thrilling experience to see 
the enthusiasm of these young men and women and the caliber of the 
young men and women who serve our country, and also the tremendous 
sophistication of these ships. These ships are the most sophisticated 
in the history of the world, with an incredible array of radar and 
weapons systems.
  These ships can fire at 120 different targets simultaneously, using 
missiles and Gatling guns. They are incredible vessels. They are 
referred to as ``aegis class" destroyers. They have a tremendous shield 
where they can track and identify targets or enemy activities. But we 
see, once again, no matter how big, how sophisticated, or how capable 
they are in destroying enemy ships or aircraft, they are still 
vulnerable to a suicide attack by two men on a small rubber vessel.
  I think it is a very sobering thing that we are learning from this 
experience. You can be in a marine barracks somewhere, in a hotel, in a 
public building, or on a sophisticated ship, and you are still 
vulnerable to this kind of attack. This is clearly an unjustified, 
heinous, indescribable act that has taken place, and I know that our 
Government will act very aggressively to protect and provide aid to 
those who are injured and work with the families who are certainly 
going through a period of grieving now. It will also try to identify 
exactly who did this, who gave the order, and be prepared to take swift 
and very strong action against those who did it.
  I have no doubt that our Government will work in unity to accomplish 
that.
  In addition to that, I have a list before me which is not yet ready 
for release, and I would not want to do it before it has been properly 
released. But there are at least 7 identified as dead now and another 
10, at least, missing potentially, and likely now 17 sailors on that 
ship who lost their lives.
  One of those was Ens. Andrew Triplett of Macon, MS. I have before me 
his record of service, and I take note that this is a young man who was 
very forward leaning and had advanced very quickly through the ranks to 
reach the position of ensign.
  To his entire family, and particularly his mother, Savanna Triplett 
of Shuqualak, MS, I extend my sympathy and prayers and also the 
grateful appreciation of our Nation.
  I know that Americans all over the world will be touched by what we 
have seen happen and will be thinking of the family and praying for 
them in this difficult time.

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