After a pivotal seven-month deployment marked by intense confrontations with Houthi missile and drone threats in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the USS Carney (DDG-64), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, has finally returned home.
Throughout its operational tenure, the Carney, under the leadership of Cmdr. Jeremy Robertson, engaged in a total of 51 encounters—a testament to the exceptional skill and efficiency of its crew.
Originally deployed on September 27 as part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Carney’s mission underwent a significant shift following the October 7 Hamas attacks in Southern Israel.
This development sparked a regional escalation, prompting the Carney’s relocation to the Red Sea, where it integrated with the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group.
The Carney’s area of operation transitioned to the Red Sea, where it joined forces with the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group.
The critical period of operations for the USS Carney commenced on October 19 when it became the first U.S. ship to down Houthi land attack missiles, employing SM-2s in a decisive response to the threat.
Cmdr. Robertson conveyed the intensity of such engagements, noting the remarkably brief timeframes—in the range of nine to 20 seconds—within which these threats had to be identified and neutralized.
Throughout the deployment, the crew of the Carney displayed a remarkable adaptability and resolve, as there was “no typical day” once the Houthi attacks started.
The pattern of activity was unpredictable, with some days presenting no activity and others, such as October 19, presenting 19 separate threats.
Despite the pressure and the unknown, the crew’s anxiety was supplanted by a “battle mindset,” which grew stronger with every engagement.
The Carney’s deployment was also historic as it represented the first instance where the Navy directly engaged with an enemy to such an extent since World War II.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti highlighted the significance of the Carney’s actions, praising the crew for their readiness and fortitude.
For its commendable actions, the USS Carney was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation—a clear reflection of the ship’s distinguished heroism. Cmdr. Robertson expressed pride in his crew, emphasizing their unity and the instinctual nature of their responses as they became better equipped to handle each subsequent engagement.
Their actions were not only about defending against immediate threats but also ensuring the safety and freedom of navigation for commercial shipping lanes and allied vessels.
During a period that tested the mettle of its crew, the Carney also partook in humanitarian assistance, responding to a distress call from the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker M/V Marlin Luanda. The ship provided critical aid that helped extinguish a fire on the tanker, further underlining the versatility and readiness of the U.S. Navy’s operational capabilities.
Relevant articles:
– Destroyer USS Carney Returns Home After Seven-Month Deployment, 51 Houthi Engagements, USNI, 05/21/2024
– USS Carney Returns Home from Historic Deployment Fighting Houthi Drones and Missiles, gCaptain, 05/20/2024
– After an historic deployment, the USS Carney is home, NavyTimes.com, 05/20/2024
– USS Carney crew kept a ‘battle mindset’ during Red Sea mission countering Houthi attacks, Stars and Stripes, 05/20/2024
– Retired Navy admiral says dangerous mission of USS Carney highlights Mayport’s importance to U.S., WJXT News4JAX, 05/20/2024