JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The USS Carney returned to the United States after a dangerous and historic seven-month deployment from Naval Station Mayport to the Middle East.
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The ship left Mayport on Sept. 27, 2023. Ten days later, Hamas attacked Israel, putting the Middle East at war.
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They are back on the East Coast after what some call a successful deployment.
The USS Carney can be seen on video launching missiles when Iranian-backed Houthis fired a ballistic missile at a Bermuda-owned M.V. Marline Luanda.
The Carney responded and helped the civilian crew on board.
There were no casualties, but the attacks only intensified. The Houthis launched missiles and drones into the Red Sea, targeting vessels from over 40 countries around the world.
The Carney stood firm in harm’s way and kept its weapons trained on incoming threats.
Over a seven-month deployment, the Carney destroyed Houthi-launched weapons, and 65 targets, in Yemen, they conducted two defensive strikes against Houthi targets and destroyed one Iranian-launched medium-rage ballistic missile.
Chief Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti welcomed the destroyer Friday.
“You saved lives, ensured the free flow of commerce, and stood up for the rules-based international order and all the values that we hold dear. It has been eye-watering to watch, you are truly America’s Warfighting Navy in action,” Franchetti said.
Fourteen sailors were recognized for their outstanding achievements while deployed.
A homecoming celebration hasn’t been announced yet, but the Navy said the historic deployment will be recognized.