Today, Commander Hammersla will be relieved by Commander Cole as Commanding Officer, Cryptologic Warfare Activity SIXTY SIX.  Commander Cole’s biography follows:

Commander Nicholas Cole USN
Commanding Officer
Cryptologic Warfare Activity SIXTY SIX

A native of Kansas City, Missouri. He commissioned Ensign in October 2004 via Officer Candidate School.

Operations Assignments include cryptologic direct support to the USS KEARSARGE (LHD-3) and USS NIMITZ (CVN-68).  He deployed aboard the USS PINCKNEY (DDG-91) as the Information Warfare Officer to the Western Pacific and Middle East.  He deployed to Iraq as a Battalion Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) for 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team and a Mobile Training Team Instructor for Joint Crew Composite Squadron One (JCCS-1) in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.  Special Evaluator aboard the EP-3 aircraft and flew missions ISO Operations NEW DAWN, ENDURING FREEDOM and Maritime Support Operations (MSO) in the Persian Gulf.  He deployed to Afghanistan as the Chief of Operations at the Afghanistan Remote Operations Cryptologic Center ISO Operation RESOLUTE SUPPORT.  Served as the Cryptologic Resource Coordinator for CARRIER STRIKE GROUP THREE, deploying to the Western Pacific and Middle East.  Most recently served as the Fleet Cryptologist and Maritime Intelligence Operations Director at Commander, United States SEVENTH Fleet.

Shore Assignments include Senior Operations Officer (SOO) at Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC) Texas, Operations and future Operations Officer at NIOC Bahrain, Junior Officer Cryptologic Career Program Intern and Department Head at NIOC Maryland, and Cryptologic Warfare Officer Junior Officer Detailer at PERS-47. 

CDR Cole currently serves as the Commanding Officer of Cryptologic Warfare Activity SIXTY-SIX in FT. Meade MD.

He holds a Master’s of Arts in Intelligence Studies with a focus in Cyber and Bachelors of Science in Network and Communications Management.  CDR Cole’s personal awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (x3), Joint Service Achievement Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (x2).

CDR Cole is married to the former Stephanie Stansbury of Kansas City, Kansas, and they have two children.