Cole Sailors Provide Civil Maritime Support

USS COLE, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors of the guided missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) encountered a unique training opportunity while transiting the Atlantic Ocean en route to a multi-national exercise in the United Kingdom Sept. 29.

Watchstanders identified a vessel drifting through the ocean, notified their chain of command, and boarded the adrift sailboat.

In addition to informing the embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 24 commander and staff, the crew reported the sighting to U.S. 2nd Fleet Maritime Operations Center (MOC) and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Coordination between the Navy and Coast Guard ensued, which determined that the owner of the vessel had already been rescued at sea July 14 by the U.S. Coast Guard and was requesting assistance in recovering his personal effects on the boat.

Upon direction by the 2nd Fleet MOC, Cole's visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team boarded a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) and maneuvered to the drifting boat to collect its owner's personal effects.

As directed by the U.S. Coast Guard, Cole VBSS members marked the vessel adrift to indicate it is an unsafe and abandoned vessel.

Cole's Commanding Officer Cmdr. Edward Devinney praised his crew for their quick response.

"Our entire team reacted immediately," said Devinney.
"The deck division conducted small boat operations and performed rapid assessments of security. Meanwhile, the bridge watch team provided security for the boarding team and gave a visual play-by-play account to the DESRON staff Tactical Action officer."

DESRON 24 Commodore, Capt. John Kersh, addressed the crew after the event to thank them for their support to civil maritime security.

"I think incredibly highly of the USS Cole. You put the RHIB in the water quickly, maneuvered the ship smartly, and got all the reports off the ship to keep the fleets fully informed," said Kersh. "The demonstration of great teamwork that I saw in Cole was truly magnificent.
That is a tribute to each and every one of you and your readiness, and you ought to be very proud."


For more news from USS Cole, visit www.navy.mil/local/ddg67/.