“A Navy inquiry into preparations aboard the [USS Cole] destroyer [which was attacked on October 12, 2000] determined that the commander had failed to apply the most basic security procedures. No one was on the bridge, and those on watch had not been briefed on their responsibilities. According to Vice Admiral C.W. Moore, Jr., commander of naval forces in the Middle East, the destroyer’s captain had failed to plan and implement a force protection plan, including how to fend off unauthorized vessels. No one was court-martialed, and no one resigned. As he left office, Defense Secretary William Cohen said everyone in the chain of command was responsible, starting with himself. The ship’s captain, Commander Kirk Lippold, retained his command.”
– Roy Gutman, How We Missed the Story, Page 214