Congratulations on your orders to USS COLE (DDG 67)! You will be joining a fine ship and an outstanding group of officers and enlisted personnel. USS COLE has an excellent reputation of being the best ship on the waterfront. We are excited to have you join us in continuing that legacy. Your assignment will be challenging yet rewarding.
Command Vision: USS COLE (DDG 67) is a great ship, crewed by great Sailors, doing great things.
Command Philosophy:
Shipmates,
I am honored to serve alongside you as your Captain. COLE is a renowned warship crewed by a winning team who contribute to our shared legacy each day. The COLE name is etched in our nation's history, and we draw inspiration from those shipmates who came before us. We will channel the same grit, determination, and sacrifice in the performance of our duties.
My charge to you is this: own the ship, build winning teams, and take care of each other.
Own the Ship. There is no unnecessary system onboard COLE. Every piece of installed equipment has a purpose designed, in at least some way, to contribute to COLE's combat effectiveness. We will never willingly accept degradations to our ship. When we find a problem, we will move to fix the problem without waiting to be told. From E-1 to O-5, each of us is accountable for the warfighting capability of the ship. COLE's success belongs to all of us.
Build Winning Teams. Combat readiness of our destroyer is built on disciplined teams who excel in the fundamental competencies of a U.S. Navy warship: Move, Shoot, Communicate. Leaders at every level onboard COLE are responsible for developing their shipmates technically, tactically, and professionally. There is no room for complacency onboard COLE. We challenge each other to improve, hold each other accountable, and celebrate our successes as a team.
Take Care of Each Other. Morale onboard COLE is the collective confidence and trust we have in each other. When someone needs help, step in without hesitation. Take care of yourself too; when you need help, communicate early. We look out for one another both on and off duty, and we foster a positive work culture in which every Sailor can embrace their full potential. We hold each other to high standards so that we can enter combat assured of total success.
As your Commanding Officer, I bear total accountability for the combat performance of COLE and the safety of her crew. I have trained for this job for 22 years, but I am only one member of the team. Each of my shipmates must be committed to our combined success from day one.
Own the ship, build winning teams, and take care of each other.
We are home ported at Naval Station Norfolk, VA. The quarterdeck is manned 24 hours and the phone number is (757) 445-4571. If after working hours (0800-1630) contact the Command Duty Officer. Please bring a copy of your orders, page two, and SGLI with you to check-in.
If the ship is underway when you report, report to Naval Station Norfolk, transient personnel unit (TPU) 1683 Gilbert St BLDG J50, Norfolk, VA 23511/ 757-444-1640. Personnel at the Naval Station gates will give you directions to TPU. TPU will then notify the ship of your arrival in the area, and provide lodging until our return to homeport or when we are able to have you meet the ship at out next port of call.
The Norfolk international airport has a USO lounge and military help desk. The USO lounge is open from 0900-2100 and can be reached at (757) 233-0567. The military help desk is manned from 0830-0100 and can be reached at (757) 444-3040. For additional information please visit https://www.facebook.com/ddg67 or https://www.surflant.usff.navy.mil/ddg67/
Once again, welcome aboard and congratulations on your orders! USS DARYL S. COLE (DDG 67) is looking forward to your arrival.
M E Faulkenberry, CDR, U.S. NAVY, COMMANDING OFFICER, SENDS.