USS Cole Returns to Norfolk Following Successful Deployment

From Naval Surface Force, Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) returned to Naval Station Norfolk Sept. 1, two days earlier than planned due to Hurricane Earl, after completing a seven-month deployment.

Cole deployed in support of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2, conducting counter-piracy operations and maritime interdiction operations along the Internationally Recognized Transit Corridor in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin.

"This was a critical mission and Cole executed it superbly," said Cmdr. Andrew Ehlers, Cole's commanding officer. "I could not be more proud of this ship and her crew."

Cole worked with naval units from more than 17 countries to ensure security and awareness in the maritime domain.

"This was truly an international effort requiring unprecedented cooperation among nations supporting the counter-piracy effort," said Ehlers.

Cole, with a crew of 270 Sailors, also served as a primary force protection platform during choke point and strait transits in the 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility.