USS Cole Completes British Deployment During Orion '08

Jun 04, 2008 -- PORTSMOUTH, England — USS Cole (DDG 67) marked the end of a historic foreign navy deployment May 30 as the ship completed Orion '08.

"This is the first deployment of a single U.S. ship with a foreign nation's battle group," said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Michael A. Pfarrer, Cole's executive officer.

The Carrier Strike Group (CSG) was centered on HMS Illustrious, one of England's AV-8 Harrier and helicopter aircraft carriers. Also in the group were several other UK warships and auxiliaries. Spain and France also each contributed one ship to the battle group. Cole and company operated throughout the 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility, conducting training exercises and multiple real-world missions.

"This has been a great experience for everyone," said Navy Yeoman 3rd Class Justin Hinga. "We learned a lot from the British and hope to do it again."

Cole's main role during Orion '08 was the CSG's Air Defense Commander. They also served as one of the CSG Commander's primary force protection platforms during all choke point and strait transits. Cole additionally provided maritime interception operations and surface and anti-submarine capabilities.

During the four month period, Cole participated in several major exercises, including Hajjar Osprey with Oman, Exercise Phoenix with HMS Trafalgar and Exercise Konkan with the Indian, French and UK navies.

Pfarrer added that there have been many multi-national battle groups such as Standing Maritime Groups and NATO's Standing Naval Force Atlantic, but that Cole's deployment is the first in this particular interoperability milestone.

Throughout the deployment, crewmembers of the Cole were given the opportunity to cross pollinate with other ships in company for the day, and on several occasions overnight. In addition to sending sailors to the other navies' ships, Cole reciprocated by hosting several foreign sailors that established personal friendships and professional partnerships, according to Cole crewmembers.

Cole's involvement in Orion '08 was best described by Cole's commanding officer Navy Cmdr. Cary Krause as "a unique opportunity for sailors to build camaraderie with our allies in working towards a common goal."

Cole was able to visit several ports, including India, Malta, Oman, Spain, United Arab Emirates, and the UK. Cole will finish out her overseas operations as one of three U.S. ships participating in BALTOPS '08 in the Baltic Sea.

Cole is an Arleigh Burke class destroyer with Aegis guided missile capabilities home ported in Norfolk, Va., and part of Destroyer Squadron 22.

Source: DoD

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