Repairs are expected to begin in January now that Cole has returned from Aden, Yemen, where it was bombed during a terrorist attack on Oct. 12, 2000. The extent of the damage will be fully assessed when the Cole arrives at Ingalls, but the damage evaluations at the scene discovered extensive structural damage as well as damage to the engineering and combat systems.
The choice of repair yards was quickly narrowed to two, Ingalls and Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, because of their experience in building the ships of the Arleigh Burke Class. Cole was delivered from Ingalls in 1995. Both yards also have the personnel on staff that are familiar with the ship and are able to handle the repair work and to test the ship’s system after repairs are complete. Although the Navy chose Ingalls, Bath Iron Works will assist with the plans for the Cole‘s repair. The cost of the repairs are expected to be between $150 and $170 million.
Initial estimates for Cole‘s repair are for the work to take approximately a year to complete. Cole began its voyage home in late October 2000 aboard the semi-submersible heavy lift ship Blue Marlin and arrived at Ingalls on December 13, 2000.
