Homecoming Heroes: USS Carney Returns Safely After 7-Month Deployment

 The USS Carney, a guided-missile destroyer, is returning to Naval Station Mayport after a 7-month deployment. The ship’s arrival is scheduled for Sunday morning. 🚢🌊

1. USS Carney (DDG-64):
   • The USS Carney is the 14th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer in the United States Navy.
   • It is named after Admiral Robert Carney, who served as Chief of Naval Operations during the Eisenhower administration.
   • Carney was laid down in 1993 at Bath Iron Works in Maine and launched in 1994.
   • It was commissioned on April 13, 1996.
   • Homeported in Mayport, Florida, the destroyer has a crew of 329.
   • Key characteristics:
     • Displacement: Approximately 6,800 long tons (light) and 8,900 long tons (full).
     • Length: 505 feet (154 meters).
     • Speed: In excess of 30 knots.
     • Range: 5,100 miles (4,400 nautical miles) at 20 knots.
     • Armament includes guns, missiles, and torpedoes.
2. Naval Station Mayport:
   • Located in Florida, Naval Station Mayport has a rich history.
   • Sailors have been drawn to this area for over 400 years due to its strategic location with access to inland waterways and the open ocean.
   • It is the third largest fleet concentration area in the United States.
   • Mayport played a crucial role in developing the automatic teletype system and recovering astronauts after their missions in the 1960s.
   • The base is strategically positioned at the confluence of the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean, serving as the headquarters of the U.S. Fourth Fleet and supporting Naval, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard operations in the Southeast.
3. Importance:
   • USS Carney:
     • During its historic deployment, the USS Carney undertook several critical missions in the Red Sea and surrounding areas. Here are the key highlights:
     • Houthi Attacks Counter: The Carney was the first ship in the area to intercept land-attack cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) launched by Houthi forces toward Israel in October 2023. The ship’s crew remained on high alert, constantly prepared to shoot down enemy munitions.
     • Engagements Against Houthi Weapons: By the end of its deployment, the USS Carney conducted 51 engagements against Houthi weapons. It successfully shot down cruise missiles, anti-ship ballistic missiles, and drones.
     • Deterrence and Defense: Deployed for 235 days, the Carney operated in the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Gulf, providing deterrence and defense to U.S. Allies and partners.
   • Naval Station Mayport:
     • Mayport’s ease of access to waterways and the ocean has made it a critical military base.
     • Its ties to the community and historical significance contribute to its importance.
     • As home to various conventionally powered aircraft carriers, including the USS Shangri-La, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy, Mayport plays a pivotal role in naval operations.