USS Cole Commander to reveal full story of deadly Al Qaeda attack at June 28 book rap

USS Cole Commander Kirk Lippold, a decorated former commanding officer of the USS Cole, is scheduled to speak on Thursday, June 28, about the harrowing details of the deadly Al Qaeda bomb attack on his ship in the port of Aden, Yemen, in 2000.

Lippold is the author of "Front Burner: Al Qaeda's attack on the USS Cole," a gripping first-person narrative of the Oct. 12, 2000, attack. It was the deadliest terrorist attack on an American warship in history. He also will discuss the dangerous warning signs that many top leaders in Washington ignored only to be caught flatfooted when Al Qaeda struck again 11 months later. Lippold, awarded the Legion of Merit, the Defense Superior Service Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon, retired from the Navy in 2007.

The event begins at 6:30 p.m. in the National Press Club conference rooms on the 13th floor. Lippold's talk will be followed by an opportunity for questions and book signing.

Reservations are required for this event and may be made at [email protected] or by calling 202-662-7523.

This event is free for members and $5 for all non-members. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. Proceeds benefit the National Press Club Journalism Institute.

No outside books will be permitted.