USS Cole returns from deployment Wed.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) returned home to Naval Station Norfolk on Wednesday following a seven-month deployment. The ship's return is two days earlier than planned due to Hurricane Earl.

The Cole deployed Feb. 8 in support of Standing NATO Maritime Group-2 (SNMG-2) conducting counter-piracy operations and Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin.

"This was a critical mission and Cole executed it superbly," said Cmdr. Andrew Ehlers, Cole's commanding officer. "I could not be more proud of this ship and her crew."

Official say the Cole worked with naval units from more than seventeen countries to ensure security and awareness in the maritime domain. "

This was truly an international effort requiring unprecedented cooperation among nations supporting the counter-piracy effort," said Ehlers.

The Nay says the ship served as a primary force protection platform during choke point and strait transits in the Fifth Fleet area of operations.

The 505-foot long ship has a crew of 270 sailors.

The ships early return due to inclement weather mirrors its departure, which was delayed by three days due to the weather.