McAlester Native Steps Down From Helm Of USS Cole

At a ceremony last month in Norfolk, Virginia, Cmdr. Peter Nilsen stepped down from the helm of the USS Cole, according to the U.S. Navy.

During Nilsen's tenure as commanding officer, the USS Cole successfully completed a nine-month deployment in the Sixth Fleet area of responsibility.

Nilsen is a graduate of McAlester High School, Southern Illinois University and holds a Masters degree from Troy University.

The military said Nilsen will be transferring to Navy Air Missile Defense Command in Dahlgren, Virginia.

"It has been an absolute honor and privilege to have served aboard Cole," Nilsen said. "The sailors and officers who have served on her while I've been in command have been phenomenal."

The USS Cole is based at Norfolk.

1/9/2012 Related Story: McAlester Man Assumes Command Of The USS Cole