Pentagon Spokesman's Regular Briefing

DoD News Briefing
Tuesday, November 07, 2000 - 1:35 p.m. EST
Presenter: Mr. Kenneth H. Bacon, ASD PA

Q: Ken, is the Cole headed south, to come around the tip of Africa, to
come - is it on its way home first?

Bacon: Yes, she's on her way home.

Q: Is it taking the southern route around the tip of Africa?

Bacon: Right. Right.

Q: When do you expect it - when did it leave and when do you expect
it back?

Bacon: I can't remember the exact day she set sail, but it's anywhere
from 32 to 45 days, I think, depending on the sea states, and the
contract is that she'll go back to be delivered to Norfolk. So --

Q: Who is accompanying her? Is she being - are there any other ships?

Bacon: The Cook. The Donald Cook, United States Ship Donald Cook.

Q: That's the only one, though?

Bacon: Right.

Q: So it's been decided it'll go to Norfolk, as opposed to - I don't
know --

Bacon: That may not be her final destination. I think the Navy has not
yet a decision on where she'll be repaired. They have 30 - at least
30 days to make that decision, while she's in transit.

Q: Can you tell us anything about these reports coming out of Aden
about four people being arrested in possible connection with the - do
you know anything about any of those details?

Bacon: I cannot - that's FBI agent. I just deal with voting policies.
(Laughter.)