USS Cole Holds Change of Command

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) held a change of command ceremony while in port on Jan. 21.

Cmdr. David Wroe, Executive Officer of Cole, was the master of ceremonies as Cmdr. Dennis Farrell was relieved by Cmdr. James Quaresimo.

As Commanding Officer, Farrell led Cole's 331 sailors during a successful completion of a complete training cycle; Joint Warrior 14-1; a robust NATO exercise; Fleet Week New York 2014; and a Deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea with over 49,288 miles traveled.

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 done things no other ship has done. 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. You have played like champions everyday and will never be defeated. Thank you for your service to our great nation."

Following the time honored tradition; both Farrell and Quaresimo read their orders to the assembled crew. With an exchange of salutes, Quaresimo, Cole's former 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 report to the Pentagon and serve in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy.

In concert with the change of command, administrative command of Cole transferred from Commander Destroyer Squadron Two Eight to Commander Destroyer Squadron Two Two.

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.

A native of Boca Raton, Fla., Commander Farrell graduated with Merit from the United States Naval Academy in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering.