The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) conducted a change of command ceremony during a scheduled port visit in Piraeus, Greece, Jan. 21.
During the event, Cmdr. James Quaresimo assumed command of the ship from Cmdr. Dennis Farrell.
While serving as commanding officer, Farrell led Cole’s 331 Sailors and oversaw their numerous accomplishments, including a successful completion of a complete training cycle; numerous bilateral and NATO exercises, the ship’s participation with Fleet Week New York 2014; and a deployment to U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations – including operations in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Under his command, the ship travelled more than 49,300 miles.
During the ceremony, Farrell addressed his crew, reflecting on his time as commanding officer.
“I’ve said goodbye to many commands, but none will ever be as special to me as Cole,” said Farrell. “Shipmates, it has been a profound honor and privilege to have been your captain over these last 18 months. We have shown our country and the world what a mighty U.S. Navy warship can do.
“We’ve traveled far from home to the Irish Sea, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea doing the nation’s business,” he said. “You have performed like champions everyday and will never be defeated. Thank you for your service to our great nation.”
In keeping with the time-honored naval tradition, both Farrell and Quaresimo read their orders to the assembled crew. With an exchange of salutes, Quaresimo, who previously served as Cole’s Executive Officer, assumed command.
“It is a great honor to have the privilege of commanding Cole.” said Quaresimo. “The men and women of Cole impress me every day. Cole is the best ship in the Navy – a testament to the resolve of our great nation that we will not be deterred.”
Farrell will now report to the Pentagon and serve in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.