Courtesy Photo | Command Master Chief Petty Officer Michael Fisher pins Cmdr. James Quaresimo with his...... read more read more
By Ensign Hannah Taylor, U.S. Navy
PIRAEUS, Greece – Cmdr. James Quaresimo relieved Cmdr. Dennis Farrell as commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) during a change of command ceremony in port here Jan. 21.
Farrell successfully led Cole’s 331 sailors through 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 more than 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,” he said.
“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 every day 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, formerly 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 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 28 to Commander, Destroyer Squadron 22.
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.
| Date Taken: | 01.22.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 01.22.2015 13:20 |
| Story ID: | 152478 |
| Location: | PIRAEUS, GR |
| Web Views: | 437 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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