Authorities say a small boat pulled alongside the Virginia-based USS Cole and exploded, ripping a large hole in the side of the ship. At least six Americans are dead, 36 hurt and 11 more are missing.
The ship's bombing has Fayetteville residents talking. Many families are worried about their loved ones who are overseas.
"It seems like all of the terrorist groups pick America to take out their frustrations on or take actions against," says concerned resident Terry Coleman.
For Sharon Johnson, the apparent terrorist attack hits close to home. Two members of her family are in the military. The fear of losing them is always on the back of her mind.
"I want to know why our government was so complacent being where they were," she says. "Shouldn't they have been on alert knowing these things happen in that region? Why wasn't someone paying attention?"
Retired U.S. Lt. Gen. Robert Springer questions if the bombing could have been avoided.
"Our U.S. State Department has a warning out to warn all travelers in that area to be careful because of terrorist activities, so one might wonder what the United States Navy is doing in there to refuel a ship," he says.
Springer says the focus now is not about getting even, but keeping the peace.
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