USS Carney Returns After Historic Deployment in Red Sea, Battles Houthi Missile Threats

Following an unprecedented eight-month deployment, the USS Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, has returned to Naval Station Mayport, Florida. Throughout its mission in the Middle East, the USS Carney faced formidable challenges, including engaging anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs) launched by Houthi rebels from Yemen.

Commander Jeremy Robertson, the commanding officer of USS Carney, emphasized the rigorous testing of the crew’s response time to the ASBM threat, which required split-second decisions to ensure the ship’s protection. The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, commencing in early October, marked a historic milestone in active combat engagement with ASBMs.

Vice Adm. Brad Cooper highlighted the significance of the Houthi attacks, underscoring the unprecedented use of ASBMs against naval vessels, including those involved in commercial shipping. The USS Laboon, aided by F/A-18 Super Hornets from the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, successfully intercepted multiple ASBMs and other hostile projectiles during a 10-hour operation on December 26.

During its deployment, the USS Carney engaged Houthi-launched weapons targeting commercial ships in the Red Sea on 51 occasions, and conducted defensive strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, resulting in the destruction of 20 targets and one Iranian-launched medium-range ballistic missile.

Cmdr. Robertson refrained from disclosing specific weapon systems employed by the USS Carney, but acknowledged the ship’s advanced Surface Warfare Combat System, which includes Tomahawk missiles, Harpoon anti-surface missiles, and a 5”/54 caliber gun.

Despite the operational challenges, Cmdr. Robertson praised the deployment as a valuable learning experience for junior sailors. He noted the unpredictable nature of daily operations, ranging from periods of heightened activity to relative calm, with each day presenting new challenges.

While the USS Carney has returned home, the threat in the Red Sea persists, as evidenced by a recent Houthi-launched ASBM targeting a Panamanian-flagged oil tanker bound for China. Upon their return, the crew of USS Carney was honored with the Navy Unit Commendation by Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro for their exemplary performance and commitment to promoting regional stability.

Through their actions, the crew of USS Carney demonstrated valor and dedication, safeguarding global commerce, defending allies, and deterring aggression in the face of evolving threats in the Middle East.