USS Cole (DDG 67) Fact File
12 October 2020
GUIDED-MISSILE DESTROYER OVERVIEW
Guided-missile destroyers are multi-mission surface combatants capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare. They can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups and expeditionary strike groups.
USS COLE (DDG 67) "Determined Warrior"
Arleigh Burke-class Aegis-equipped guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. USS Cole is named in honor of Marine Sgt. Darrell S. Cole, a machine gunner who was killed in action at the Battle of Iwo Jima, Japan, on Feb. 19, 1945, during World War II.
USS Cole was commissioned on June 8, 1996, at Port Everglades, Florida. The ship, except the two aluminum funnels, is constructed from steel, with vital areas protected by two layers of steel and 70-feet of Kevlar armor. There is a platform for rearming and refueling a LAMPS III SH-60B/F helicopter (with anti-submarine warfare capabilities), but no hangers, so the ship is unable to house a helicopter of its own. Arleigh Burke is the first U.S. Navy class to be fitted out with anti-nuclear, biological and chemical warfare protection.
On Thursday, Oct. 12, 2000, USS Cole arrived in Port of Aden, Yemen to refuel. At 11:18 a.m. unknown to ship security, a small boat with terrorists aboard came alongside the ship and detonated a highly explosive bomb alongside Cole. The explosion created a 40-by-60 foot hole on the port side of the ship, taking the lives of 17 Sailors and injuring 37 more. Cole’s Sailors fought fires and flooding for the following 96 hours to keep the ship afloat.
The attack was attributed to al Qaeda and foreshadowed the attack on the U.S. less than one year later on Sept. 11, 2001.
HISTORY AND CHARACTERISTICS
- Namesake: Sgt. Darrell S. Cole, U.S. Marine Corps
- Builder: Ingalls Shipbuilding, West Bank, Pascagoula, Mississippi
- Commissioned: June 8, 1996 in Port Everglades, Florida
- Class and type: Arleigh Burke-class destroyer
- Length: 505 feet
- Beam: 67 feet
- Displacement: Approx. 8.300 tons full load
- Speed: 30+ knots
- Crew: 23 officers, 24 chief petty officers and 291 enlisted
ARMAMENT
- Harpoon missile launchers
- Two MK 41 VLS for standard missiles
- Tomahawk
- MK-46 torpedoes
- Close-in weapon system (CIWS)
- 5-inch MK 45 gun
AVIATION CAPACITY
- Two MH-60R or one MH-60R and three vertical take-off unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
- Two LAMPS MK III MH-60B/BR helicopters with Penguin/Hellfire missiles
SHIP AWARDS
- Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC)
- Humanitarian Service Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOTEM)
USS COLE (DDG 67) CREST AND MOTTO
SHIELD
Dark blue and gold represent sea faring excellence and are traditionally associated with the Navy.
Red, for blood and courage, denotes St. Darrell S. Cole's valor and sacrifice. A trident symbolizes sea prowess and Cole's modern warfare capabilities. The three tines represent submarine, and air warfare capabilities. Three hand grenades commemorate Sgt. Cole's heroic one-man grenade attack against enemy emplacements during the assault on Iwo Jima. A broken chevron alludes to Sgt. Cole's breaking the enemy's hold, enabling his company to attain it's ultimate objective. The grenades also represent the traits courage, valor and honor, commemorating Sgt. Cole's fighting spirit and dedication.
CREST
A blue reversed star represents the Medal of Honor posthumously awarded to Sgt. Cole for his self-sacrifice and extraordinary heroism. The crossed navy sword and Marine Mameluke signify cooperation within and the fighting spirit of the naval service. A French horn combined with two swords underscores his service with the Marine Corps as a field musician and reminds us of his nickname, "The Fighting Field Musician." The laurel wreath is emblematic of honor and high achievement.
MOTTO
Gloria Merces Virtutis, or Glory is the Reward of Valor
The Cole's motto underscores the spirit of Sgt. Darrell S. Cole, his extraordinary heroism, his unwavering loyalty to his country, and his bravery in facing adversity without fear, and "a determined warrior."