Military Commissions Media Invitation Announced for United States v. Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri Trial

Sept. 4, 2026 |

The Department of War invites media to cover the military commission trial of Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, the defendant charged in the attack on the USS Cole (DDG 67). The trial is scheduled to begin October 19, 2026.

The proceedings will take place at the Expeditionary Legal Complex located on Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (NSGB), Cuba, and will be transmitted to closed-circuit television (CCTV) sites at Ft. Meade, Md.

Media may choose to travel to NSGB if agreeable to the coverage windows outlined below and are willing to pay associated flight fees. The hearing coverage windows are determined by the flight schedule, which is Saturday to Saturday. Specific ground rules for coverage at NSGB will follow registration.

The primary purpose of this invitation is to cover the military commissions trial. Tours of the detention facilities are not available. Requests for reporting on Guantanamo topics unrelated to the trial must be coordinated in advance through the public affairs officer with authority over those topics. OMC Public Affairs can provide point of contact information as needed.

Due to the expected duration of the trial, proceedings will occur in multiple sessions. Initial coverage windows, including travel:

• Oct. 17 – 24
• Oct. 24 - 31
• Oct. 31 – Nov. 7
• Nov. 7 – 14
• Nov. 14 - 21

Additional coverage windows will be announced as the trial schedule progresses, and dates are subject to change based on trial progression.

Media may request to stay for more than one week or any combination of weeks.

Registration: Click here for registration and select the appropriate case and dates as outlined above.

Deadline: All requests for the initial trial sessions must be received no later than noon, Friday, September 11. Additional details of travel preparations will be provided separately. By submitting the online request form, interested media will begin the travel process, and the OMC Public Affairs will assist in travel preparations

CCTV Site: Media choosing to view the hearing, from the media-designated viewing sites at Fort Meade, Md., or Naval Station Norfolk, Va., must send requests via email to osd.mc-alex.OMC.mbx.omc-pa@mail.mil with e-mail subject line matching the court case and the following information: name, position, news organization and contact information.

Contact Mr. Ronald Flesvig, OMC Public Affairs, for additional questions at ronald.flesvig2.civ@mail.mil or (571) 372-3713.

Case information can be viewed at the Office of Military Commissions website: https://www.mc.mil

Sept. 4, 2026 |

The Department of War invites media to cover the military commission trial of Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, the defendant charged in the attack on the USS Cole (DDG 67). The trial is scheduled to begin October 19, 2026.

The proceedings will take place at the Expeditionary Legal Complex located on Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (NSGB), Cuba, and will be transmitted to closed-circuit television (CCTV) sites at Ft. Meade, Md.

Media may choose to travel to NSGB if agreeable to the coverage windows outlined below and are willing to pay associated flight fees. The hearing coverage windows are determined by the flight schedule, which is Saturday to Saturday. Specific ground rules for coverage at NSGB will follow registration.

The primary purpose of this invitation is to cover the military commissions trial. Tours of the detention facilities are not available. Requests for reporting on Guantanamo topics unrelated to the trial must be coordinated in advance through the public affairs officer with authority over those topics. OMC Public Affairs can provide point of contact information as needed.

Due to the expected duration of the trial, proceedings will occur in multiple sessions. Initial coverage windows, including travel:

• Oct. 17 – 24
• Oct. 24 - 31
• Oct. 31 – Nov. 7
• Nov. 7 – 14
• Nov. 14 - 21

Additional coverage windows will be announced as the trial schedule progresses, and dates are subject to change based on trial progression.

Media may request to stay for more than one week or any combination of weeks.

Registration: Click here for registration and select the appropriate case and dates as outlined above.

Deadline: All requests for the initial trial sessions must be received no later than noon, Friday, September 11. Additional details of travel preparations will be provided separately. By submitting the online request form, interested media will begin the travel process, and the OMC Public Affairs will assist in travel preparations

CCTV Site: Media choosing to view the hearing, from the media-designated viewing sites at Fort Meade, Md., or Naval Station Norfolk, Va., must send requests via email to osd.mc-alex.OMC.mbx.omc-pa@mail.mil with e-mail subject line matching the court case and the following information: name, position, news organization and contact information.

Contact Mr. Ronald Flesvig, OMC Public Affairs, for additional questions at ronald.flesvig2.civ@mail.mil or (571) 372-3713.

Case information can be viewed at the Office of Military Commissions website: https://www.mc.mil

The Attack on the USS Cole: A Tragic Reminder of Naval Security Challenges

The attack on the USS Cole on October 12, 2000, in the Yemeni port of Aden sent shockwaves throughout the United States Navy and served as a stark reminder of the persistent threats faced by maritime forces. As the guided-missile destroyer was refueling, a small boat laden with explosives approached and detonated, causing a devastating blast that tore a massive hole in the ship's hull. The attack claimed the lives of 17 U.S. Navy sailors and left dozens more injured. This act of terrorism, attributed to the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda, served as a wake-up call, exposing vulnerabilities in naval security and prompting significant changes in force protection measures.

The investigation that followed sought to determine the perpetrators and their motives. It was later confirmed that Al-Qaeda, under the leadership of Osama bin Laden, claimed responsibility for the attack on the USS Cole. The findings shed light on the planning and execution of the assault, revealing weaknesses in naval security protocols and intelligence gathering. This revelation emphasized the need for a comprehensive reassessment of naval security procedures and led to significant enhancements in force protection measures.

In response to the attack, the U.S. Navy implemented stricter rules for port visits and refueling operations. These measures included the implementation of layered defense systems, enhanced surveillance capabilities, and improved training to counter asymmetric threats. The goal was to minimize the risk of future attacks on naval vessels and to ensure the safety of sailors deployed on missions around the world.

The attack on the USS Cole also had significant legal and diplomatic ramifications. The United States sought justice for the victims and pursued legal action against those responsible for planning and executing the attack. Efforts were made to hold Yemen accountable for its failure to prevent the attack and to improve international cooperation in combating maritime terrorism. The incident underscored the importance of international partnerships in addressing security challenges in a globalized world.

The lessons learned from the attack on the USS Cole have had a lasting impact on naval security strategies. The tragedy highlighted the need for constant vigilance, adaptability, and innovation in countering evolving threats. The U.S. Navy and the broader maritime community have since prioritized intelligence sharing, interagency cooperation, and the development of specialized units focused on maritime security. The incident served as a catalyst for advancements in technology, training, and tactics, ensuring that naval forces are better prepared to detect and deter future acts of terrorism.

Beyond its operational and strategic implications, the attack on the USS Cole holds a deeply personal significance. The loss of 17 brave sailors is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by servicemen and women in the defense of their country. Each year, the victims are commemorated, their names forever etched in the annals of naval history. Their bravery and dedication continue to inspire generations of sailors and serve as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with military service.

The attack on the USS Cole remains an indelible chapter in the history of naval security. It stands as a tragic reminder of the challenges faced by navies worldwide in safeguarding their vessels and personnel. The incident prompted critical reflections on countering maritime terrorism, leading to important advancements in security measures and operational capabilities. As we remember the lives lost in this heinous act, it is imperative that we honor their sacrifice by maintaining the utmost vigilance and commitment to protecting our maritime forces from future acts of terrorism. The attack on the USS Cole serves as a poignant testament to the resilience and determination of the U.S. Navy and its unwavering commitment to defending the nation's interests at sea.

Media Invited to Cover Pre-Trial Hearing of USS Cole Attack Suspect at Guantanamo Bay

The Department of Defense has extended an invitation to media organizations to cover the upcoming pre-trial proceedings of Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, the defendant charged in the attack on the USS Cole (DDG 67). The hearings are scheduled to take place from August 21 to September 15 at the Expeditionary Legal Complex situated in Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (NSGB) Cuba, with live transmissions available at select closed circuit television sites.

Media representatives have the option to travel to NSGB to cover the proceedings, provided they adhere to the specified coverage windows and are willing to bear the associated flight fees amounting to $800. Coverage windows have been determined based on flight schedules, which operate from Saturday to Saturday. Specific ground rules will be provided upon registration.

It is important to note that the primary purpose of this invitation is to cover the military commissions. Access to tours of the detention facilities will not be available. Any requests for reporting on topics unrelated to the military commissions, such as the naval base facilities or personnel, must be coordinated in advance through the respective public officer responsible for those areas. The Office of Military Commissions (OMC) public affairs can provide the necessary point of contact information as required.

The coverage windows for media are as follows:

• August 19-26
• August 26-September 2
• September 2-9
• September 9-16 (Note: Media personnel may choose to stay for more than one week.)

To register for coverage, interested media representatives can visit the registration link provided and select the appropriate case and dates mentioned above. The deadline for all registration requests is 5 p.m. EST on Friday, June 9.

Further details regarding travel logistics will be provided separately. By submitting the online request form, interested media personnel will initiate the travel process, and respective OMC Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) will be in contact to assist with travel preparations.

For media wishing to view the hearing from the media-designated viewing site at Fort Meade, Maryland, requests must be sent via email to osd.mc-alex.OMC.mbx.omc-pa@mail.mil. The email subject line should indicate the court case and include the necessary media information: name, position, sponsoring organization, and contact details.

For any additional inquiries, media representatives may contact Lt. Cmdr. Adam Cole at adam.r.cole6.mil@mail.mil or call 571-372-8934.