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 of Piraeus, Greece, January 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.
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.
Farrell will report to the Pentagon and serve in the office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
Together with the change of command, administrative command of Cole transferred from Commander, Destroyer Squadron 28 to Commander, Destroyer Squadron 22.
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Press release, Image: US Navy