Guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) departed Naval Station Norfolk this morning for a regularly-scheduled deployment to conduct maritime operations in the Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation.

Cole excelled through a demanding training cycle in preparation for its upcoming mission.

"Cole Sailors have worked tirelessly to prepare for deployment," said Cmdr. David P. Wroe, Cole commanding officer. "The effort demonstrated over the last year is a testament to the strength and abilities of the entire crew. I am confident Cole is ready to support maritime operations across the globe."

Cole is deploying as part of the ongoing rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations and operate in international waters across the globe, along with other maritime forces.

The ship was commissioned June 8, 1996, and is named after U.S. Marine Sgt. Darrell Samuel Cole, who received the Medal of Honor for his "conspicuous gallantry" at the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II.

For more information on USS Cole please visit the ship's Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ddg67


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For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/.