Which U.S. Navy ship was attacked on October 12th, 2001, resulting in the death of 17 sailors?

The correct answer is the USS Cole. On October 12, 2000, the USS Cole was attacked by terrorists while it was docked in the port of Aden, Yemen. This tragic event involved a suicide bombing executed by a small boat laden with explosives, resulting in significant damage to the ship and the loss of 17 sailors' lives. The attack highlighted vulnerabilities in U.S. naval operations and led to increased security measures in naval ports and facilities worldwide.

The other ships listed, such as the USS Enterprise, USS Abraham Lincoln, and USS Ronald Reagan, were not involved in this incident and do not have any historical connection to the attack on that date. Their operations and missions were separate, making the USS Cole the only correct response in relation to the attack described.