|
|
Article: Remaining crew of USS Cole enjoy long-awaited homecoming.(The Virginian-Pilot)
- Article from:
- Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service
- Article date:
- November 3, 2000
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2000 Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
NORFOLK, Va. _ It was a day to welcome home the heroes, to begin to dry the tears that first flowed three weeks ago and to finally get some quality rest.
As the remaining 216 crew members of the destroyer Cole returned home to family and friends Friday _ exuberant yet exhausted _ there were few speeches. Instead, there were excited hugs and kisses, embraces and handshakes between estranged families and friends who longed to be together and safe again.
"My crew needs this time now with families to mourn the loss of their shipmates," said the Cole's commanding officer, Cmdr. Kirt S. Lippold, the first to climb down the steps of a chartered DC-10 that ...