The guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) and its crew of more than 300 Sailors participated in the Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival Sept. 8-10.

During the event, Cole and the Bay-class Coast Guard Cutter Thunder Bay (WGTB 108) sat side-by-side at the Fort Trumbull State Park pier where the crews hosted Navy and maritime enthusiasts for tours and photos. Cole hosted more than 6,000 visitors, including city, state, military and government officials. Media representatives also toured the ship and spoke with crew members.

Cole's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. David Wroe, said the festival was an opportunity to give back to the community and highlight the role of our maritime services.

"The entire Cole crew enjoyed the time spent in New London," said Wroe. "We were excited to show off the ship and demonstrate what we do on a daily basis. We are grateful for the reception from the community was very welcoming and outstanding."

To enhance the visitor's tour of the ship, Sailors provided demonstrations in damage control, anchoring and weapon systems. On Saturday night, Cole hosted a reception on the flight deck for local community leaders and members of several maritime organizations. The event was highlighted by the lowering and folding of the flag at sunset.

The fun wasn't limited to visitors and ship enthusiasts. Cole's crew participated in the Clam Chowder Cook-Off, earning a third place finish behind two local restaurants. Sailors also participated in five community relations projects, including park beautification projects and law enforcement ride-alongs. At night, the crew enjoyed food and drink at local restaurants and pubs.

Cole is a multi-mission, guided-missile destroyer, specializing in ballistic missile defense. The crew recently completed a successful seven-month deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in the Middle East where she returned for just the second time since the terrorist bombing in October 2000, that claimed the lives of 17 service members.