The guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) returns to Naval Station Norfolk Mar. 13, 2015 following a seven-month deployment in the U.S. Fleet Forces and 6th Fleet Areas of Operations.
Cole deployed August 22, 2014 to the Mediterranean Sea, where the ship assumed duties as 6th Fleet’s Ballistic Missile Defense unit.
Sailing 40,000 miles, Cole crossed the Atlantic Ocean, passed through the Strait of Gibraltar, and entered the Black Sea twice. Cole took part in Mavi Balina, a multi-lateral anti-submarine exercise hosted by Turkey, a passing exercise (PASSEX) with the Charles De Gaulle Carrier Strike Group, and multiple other PASSEX’s with Romania, Turkey, Israel, and France. Cole also conducted maritime security operations in support of Operation Active Endeavour in the Mediterranean Sea. While in-port Constanta, Romania, Cole hosted Vice Admiral Foggo, Commander 6th Fleet, and Romanian Chief of Naval Operations, Rear Admiral Mirsu for a luncheon and a tour onboard.
More than just operational integration with NATO allies, the deployment allowed Sailors to learn much about the world beyond America’s shores. Visiting six ports in five countries, Sailors volunteered more than 500 hours in eight community relations, or COMREL, events for local charities and organizations.
Sailors made time for individual accomplishments as well this deployment, with over 40 advancing to the next pay grade and eight being selected into a new job rating. Cole also pinned 11 new Surface Warfare Officers (SWO) and over 75 new Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialists (ESWS).
For one of these warriors, 24-year-old Hull Technician Third Class Casey Ludwig, earning his pin was one of a handful of accomplishments.
“My favorite part of being deployed was when we had a port visit in Haifa, Israel. I was able to go up in a man-lift and repair the bridge wings ensuring their integrity.”
A native of Reading, Pa., Ludwig reported to the ship July, 2013. Of the nine port visits during deployment, he enjoyed being in Piraeus, Greece more than anywhere else.
“Piraeus, Greece was actually on my bucket list. I always wanted to go to Athens and see Athena’s Temple and the first Olympic track. It was beautiful, especially the scenery.”
Ludwig said his next goal is to make second class and continue his Navy career.
“I am extremely proud of the outstanding performance of the men and women of Cole,” said Commander James Quaresimo, Cole’s Commanding Officer. “They prove time and time again why we are the best Navy in the world and Cole the best ship in the Navy. Patrolling the Mediterranean Sea providing Ballistic Missile Defense is important to enhancing global security. It is a capability unparallel by others. Operating forward in the Black Sea and conducting operations with our allies was extremely rewarding and something our Sailors can be proud that they were involved with. Cole’s contributions to fleet operations will have a long lasting effect and it was the men and women of Cole who flawlessly provided that contribution.”
From new dads meeting bright-eyed babies to young, junior Sailors greeting proud parents, Cole Sailors look forward to enjoying some quality time with their families this month while preparing for the ship’s maintenance phase this summer.
