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USS Cole departs for deployment to 5th and 6th Fleet

Posted at 2:20 PM, Dec 12, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-15 18:07:46-05

NORFOLK, Va. - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) left Naval Station Norfolk on Thursday for a scheduled deployment to the 5th and 6th Fleet area of operations.

The USS Cole (U.S. Navy)

The USS Cole (U.S. Navy)

"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."

The USS Cole's last deployment was from August 2014 to March 2015.

Since then, the Cole spent time in the shipyard undergoing maintenance, repairs and modification, and has participated in multiple Fleet Week celebrations and training exercises.

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.