The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) conducted an approach and assist in response to a distress call from an Iranian-flagged dhow, Jan. 27.

Cole provided assistance to the 75-foot stranded dhow by supplying 17 gallons of diesel fuel. The master of the dhow thanked Cole for assistance.

"We have an important role and responsibility to aid our fellow mariners in distress," said Cmdr. David Wroe, commanding officer of Cole. "It was a pleasure to use our training to support the sailors with something even as little as a few cans of fuel."

The U.S. Navy and coalition forces have a longstanding tradition of helping mariners in distress by providing medical assistance, engineering assistance as well as conducting search-and-rescue missions when called upon.

Cole is currently deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations and theater security operation efforts.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet, visit www.cusnc.navy.mil/.