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Cole, Bulkeley Deploy as Part of Iwo Jima ESG

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060608-08
Release Date: 6/8/2006 4:19:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class Joshua Glassburn, U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Norfolk-based guided-missile destroyers USS Cole (DDG 67) and USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) deployed June 8 as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG).

The two surface ships join the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), the amphibious transport ship USS Nashville (LPD 13), the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and the dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), which departed June 6. Along with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, the Iwo Jima ESG has deployed to conduct maritime security operations in support of the global war on terrorism.

For Cole, this deployment marks the first time the ship has deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations since Oct. 12, 2000, when the ship was attacked by a small boat packed with explosives, killing 17 Sailors in the port of Aden, Yemen.

”The majority of the crew has been on for less than two years,” said Cmdr. Bradley Roberson, commanding officer of Cole. “They’re a great crew, they‘re excited to be on board and now is the time to go on deployment. The ship completed its basic training cycle and we’re ready.”

None of the current Sailors were on board during the bombing six years ago, but they don’t easily forget the history of the ship or the significance of this deployment.

“We draw strength from this being a very stout and resolute hull. The crew reflects that and the fighting spirit of the Navy,” Roberson said. “I think the ship symbolizes America, its determination, its fortitude and the resolve that we’ll be around no matter what. And I think that’s the way the crew feels.

“We usually hold all of our training and briefings down on the mess decks,” Roberson said. “When you go down there and see Marine Sgt. Darrell Cole’s Medal of Honor that he won at the Battle of Iwo Jima and the flag that flew over the ship in Aden harbor, I don’t think you have to say anything. The Sailors understand why we do what we do and why it’s important that we are always prepared.”

Cole and the remainder of the Iwo Jima ESG will be deployed for approximately six months.

For more news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil.