The Mayport-based ship, USS Mason, successfully destroyed a missile launched by Iranian-backed Houthis from Yemen over the Red Sea Monday, according to the U.S. Central Command.
The USS Mason also destroyed one drone launched by Houthi rebels.
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“It was determined these weapons presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels,” the U.S. Central Command wrote in a press release.
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There were no injuries or damages reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels.
Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said the rebels targeted the USS Mason with missiles and launched an attack on a ship he identified as the Destiny. Multiple vessels have that name in shipping registries.
The Mason, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, has been in the Red Sea and the wider region as part of a U.S.-led coalition trying to prevent Houthi attacks on shipping.
On Tuesday, 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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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.