USS Cole returns

The USS Cole is again in Malta's Grand Harbour on a brief visit.

The vessel had been the target of a suicide attack in October 2000 while it was in Yemen. Seventeen sailors had died.

The exceptional ship has earned a special place in US naval history. Its mission is to help safeguard larger ships in a fleet.

The vessel is named for Sergeant Darrell S. Cole, USMC (1920-1945), who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his conspicuous gallantry in the campaign at Iwo Jima. The ship received further honours for its peacekeeping role in the Mediterranean and Red Sea. Many members of the crew are well-known to Maltese since they volunteered to lend a helping hand at several local charitable institutions during their brief visits to Malta.

Commander Cary Krause, United States Navy, is the Commanding Officer.