(CNN) -- Weeks before the USS Cole was bombed in Yemen, CNN affiliate WABC-TV began an investigation into potential security lapses at domestic U.S. naval bases, including the Cole's home port in Norfolk, Virginia.
Reporter Jim Hoffer and his crew demonstrated how a rented motor boat was able to get shockingly close to some of the military's most sophisticated ships and submarines as they sat docked in port.
In fact, on October 12, the same day the Cole was attacked, Hoffer was in Norfolk where he glided past -- and touched, unchallenged -- an aircraft carrier, the USS Enterprise.
The Navy said Friday it is taking a "hard look" at its security procedures both at home and abroad.