USS Cole assists Iran-flagged dhow

The Gulf Coast-built guided missile destroyer USS Cole assisted an Iranian-flagged vessel after it ran out of fuel last week in the Gulf of Oman. The Ingalls, Miss., shipyard-built destroyer supplied 17 gallons of diesel fuel on Jan. 27 to the distressed 75-foot dhow, according to the Navy. “We have an important role and responsibility to aid our fellow mariners in distress,” Cmdr. David Wroe, Cole’s commander said. “It was a pleasure to use our training to support the sailors with something even as little as a few cans of fuel.” (Source: Stars and Stripes 01/29/17) Gulf Coast Note: In a bit of Middle-Eastern irony, USS Cole, which is supporting the Navy's 5th Fleet in the region, was bombed in Yemen by al-Qaida in October 2000. Seventeen crew members were killed and 39 were injured, including two of three sailors with Pensacola, Fla.-family ties.