Re: The Cole
The Cole has been refurbished, and is in great shape, thanks.
I don't know the exact protocol, but I would imagine that aircraft carrier groups stay a considerable distance out to sea under normal circumstances to prevent the type of attack scenario you are describing. The Cole was refueling near shore in what turned out to be hostile territory, for what I believe were political reasons. In hindsight the whole setup stunk more than a little.
The stock Exocet has a range, I believe, of about 90 km, although extended range versions either are being or have been developed that double that range.