Navy
USS Cole returns home after challenging 7-month combat deployment
Stars and Stripes
December 23, 2024
Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) depart the ship after returning from deployment. Cole returned to Naval Station Norfolk on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, after a deployment in support of maritime security and stability efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (Nathan T. Beard/U.S. Navy)
The USS Cole returned to Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia on Monday after a seven-month combat deployment that took the crew into the tense conflicts of the Middle East.
A crowd of families and loved ones gathered on the pier to celebrate the safe return of the sailors.
“I am proud of the determined warriors of Cole for continuing this ship’s legacy of outstanding service during a challenging combat deployment,” said Cmdr. Matt Faulkenberry, commanding officer of the USS Cole. “Cole demonstrated professionalism and lethality across all domains.”
Chief Gunner’s Mate Tyler Kaltenberg, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole, greets family on the pier after returning from deployment Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. Cole returned to Naval Station Norfolk after a deployment in support of maritime security and stability efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (Nathan T. Beard/U.S. Navy)
Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Garion Pequeno, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67), greets family on the pier after returning from deployment Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. Cole returned to Naval Station Norfolk after a deployment in support of maritime security and stability efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (Nathan T. Beard/U.S. Navy)
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) returns to Naval Station Norfolk on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, after a deployment in support of maritime security and stability efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (Nathan T. Beard/U.S. Navy)
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) returns to Naval Station Norfolk on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, after a deployment in support of maritime security and stability efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (Nathan T. Beard/U.S. Navy)
During its 224 days on deployment, the Cole served as an air defense unit for strike group forces in the Red Sea and also provided deterrence and defense to U.S. allies and partners in the Mediterranean Sea, Gulf of Aden and Arabian Gulf, contributing to stability in the region, according to a Navy news release.
On Oct. 1, Cole joined the USS Bulkeley and helped defend Israel against inbound Iranian missiles in the Levant region. Cole earned a star on the ship’s Combat Action Ribbon for engagement in combat operations in the Red Sea during its deployment.