American sailors on the USS Carney recently returned to Naval Station Mayport, Florida, after being deployed for more than seven months in the Middle-East.
The USS Carney was tasked with intercepting land-attack cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) launched by Houthi forces toward Israel.
Since Hamas’ October 7th attacks, the Houthis have launched an aggressive campaign against Israel, targeting Israeli and allies’ ships with daily missile strikes.
Houthi attacks continue to this day. US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported the latest one occurred on May 19th.
CENTCOM declared Houthi forces launched one anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) from a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen over the Gulf of Aden.
The Carney routinely intercepted missiles of this kind.
During its time on sea, the Carney set a new military record by conducting 51 anti-Houthi military engagements in 6 months.
According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the previous record of 23 engagements was set by the USS Hugh Hadley during WW2.
Carney’s historic armed involvement in the Red Sea reflects the unprecedented and bellicose state of world affairs.
One dramatic incident underscoring current international instability was Carney's response to a distress call after Houthi missiles struck the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker M/V Marlin Luanda.
Carney helped extinguish on-board fires caused by the missile strike by providing 600 gallons of Aqueous Film Forming Foam. Thanks to the Carney’s efforts, no lives were lost.
US Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) expressed gratitude for the service of Carney’s sailors.
”The brave crew of USS Carney is back at Mayport after six months and 51 engagements against Iranian-backed Houthis,” said Rubio. “This marks a historic feat as the Navy's most direct combat since WWII.”
