Matthew Feehan’s Post

Remembering the USS Cole today, October 12, 2000. The attack killed 17 Sailors: 31-year-old Lt. j.g. Andrew Triplett; 35-year-old ETC Richard D. Costelow; 30-year-old EW1 Kevin S. Rux; 21-year-old HT2 Kenneth E. Clodfelter; 24-year-old EN2 Mark I. Nieto; 24-year-old EW2 Ronald S. Owens; 32-year-old OS2 Timothy L. Saunders; 22-year-old MS3 Ronchester M. Santiago; 19-year-old MSSN Lakeina M. Francis; 21-year-old ITSN Timothy L. Gauna; 22-year-old SMSN Cherone L. Gunn; 19-year-old ITSN James R. McDaniels; 22-year-old SN Lakiba N. Palmer; 19-year-old ENFN Joshua L. Parlett; 19-year-old FN Patrick H. Roy; 26-year-old FN Gary Swenchonis Jr.; and 19-year-old SN Craig B. Wibberley. In addition, 37 of their shipmates sustained wounds. At 1118 on the morning of 12 October 2000, as USS Cole (DDG-67) was refueling in Aden Harbor, Yemen, suicide bombers detonated an explosive-laden boat directly against the port side of the ship. The resulting blast killed 17 Sailors, wounded 37 others, and tore a hold forty by sixty feet in the ship’s hull. In the aftermath of the explosion, the crew of USS Cole fought tirelessly to free shipmates trapped by the twisted wreckage and limit flooding that threatened to sink the ship. The crew’s prompt actions to isolate damaged electrical systems and contain fuel oil ruptures prevented catastrophic fires that could have engulfed the ship and cost the lives of countless men and women. Skillful first aid and advanced medical treatment applied by the crew prevented additional death and eased the suffering of many others. Drawing upon their Navy training and discipline, the crew heroically conducted more than 96 hours of sustained damage control in conditions of extreme heat and stress. Deprived of sleep, food, and shelter, they vigilantly battled to preserve a secure perimeter and restore stability to engineering systems that were vital to the ship’s survival. By their sacrifice and bravery in the fact of daunting adversity, the crew of USS Cole personified Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Read more: https://lnkd.in/etd7Ks9q https://lnkd.in/e-WpsSF5

Home Sweet Home—Although with Marines, Not Soldiers Today, I had the privilege of visiting the School of Infantry as part of our ongoing USMC contract and got to witness firsthand the exceptional leadership that the infantry commands bring to the table. It’s truly motivating to see the dedication and skill these leaders instill in the next generation of warfighters. It’s hard not to look back and play Monday-morning quarterback on my own career choices as a former infantry officer. But I remind myself there are many ways to stay in the fight, each just as meaningful. There’s something unique about the bonds forged in the mud and misery that few outside the infantry will ever understand. Whether you’re a Marine or a Soldier, those shared hardships build a brotherhood that lasts long after the boots are hung up. To my fellow infantrymen out there—embrace the suck! One day, you’ll look back and not only be proud of what you’ve endured, but you’ll even find yourself missing those days in the field. 1-181 IN—keep your powder dry!

Heads on a swivel, folks. This is a very real threat we are facing on the ground. If you see suspicious activity, report it via the official Suspicious Activity Reporting website of the U.S. Marine Corps: Eagle Eyes. Watch. Report. Protect. Link to the site: https://lnkd.in/g-QrzfXe or the Provost Marshal's Office at (910) 451-3333. For emergencies, always call 911. https://lnkd.in/gqXirMKQ Note: these individuals were charged with conspiracy, lying to federal investigators, and destroying evidence. Not sure how The Associated Press arrived at "charged with 'trying to cover their tracks,'" but rest assured, if the U.S. Attorney filed charges, it was only after a thorough investigation--in coordination with intelligence officials--of an event that occurred a year ago. Whether the editor is deliberately misleading readers, or it was an honest mistake, I’ll leave that to y'all.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: Marine Recruit Depot Parris Island Just wrapped up another successful mission, securing our contract at the historic Marine Recruit Depot Parris Island. It was an honor to lead my team of professionals through this important project, and I am immensely thankful for the warm welcome we received. For over a century, Parris Island has been the foundation of transforming civilians into United States Marines. Established in 1915, this storied depot has seen countless young men and women undergo rigorous training, forging the Marine Corps’ legacy of honor, courage, and commitment. Today, it remains one of the most iconic training installations in the world. The experience of walking through its grounds and witnessing the dedication of everyone stationed here was truly inspiring. I’m proud of what we accomplished, and I look forward to the continued success of our partnership. Thank you to everyone at Parris Island for making this mission a smooth and memorable one. #Leadership #TeamSuccess #ParrisIsland #MarineCorps #GovernmentContracting

I FOUND THE A-10 WARTHOG! She is so much bigger than any of the pictures I’ve seen, just an incredible sight. Work has me at Parris Island this week, and I figured I’d stop and pay my respects along the way at Warbird Park in Myrtle Beach. The park, located on the old Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, is home to a collection of aircraft, including this iconic A-10 Thunderbolt II that served as a close air support powerhouse during the Gulf War—and continues to serve. The city, non-governmental orgs, and nonprofits have done an incredible job maintaining this memorial, which also honors those who served at the base from 1940-1993. It’s truly moving to see communities come together to preserve the history and sacrifices of their veterans. I still get chills walking through memorials at every installation I visit. Thank you, Myrtle Beach, for keeping these memories alive.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. Mahalo, MCB Hawaii! After a week on the ground leading our fantastic team, I’m thrilled to report that the first leg of this contract is secure. With 0300 start times each morning to keep the East Coast operations running smoothly, I’m now eager to jump back into action at Camp Lejeune and continue serving MCIEAST. There were too many incredible aircraft to name during this trip, but here’s a fun fact I discovered: the U.S. Army flew Cessnas during Vietnam! (Bird Dogs). These slow-speed planes were used for visual reconnaissance and forward observation—something new I learned while visiting the air museum here. Aloha! 🌺

God bless them all. Warriors then and forever.