by John Konrad (gCaptain) USS Carney, the formidable Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer renowned for its role in safeguarding ships in the Red Sea last month, triumphantly returned to its base in the Persian Gulf. In a ceremony held in Bahrain today, the entire crew was honored with navy combat medals. Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of the U.S. 5th Fleet, personally bestowed the awards, acknowledging the sailors’ exceptional valor and expertise during a recent critical operation that underscored their strategic importance in regional maritime security.
The USS Carney, a key asset in the U.S. Navy’s efforts to maintain maritime security in the Middle East, demonstrated its prowess on December 16th when its crew successfully neutralized 14 unmanned drones launched by Houthi forces in the Red Sea. This decisive action not only highlighted the crew’s tactical expertise but also underscored the importance of the U.S. Navy’s presence in the region for ensuring the safety and stability of crucial maritime routes.
Each sailor on board received the Combat Action Ribbon, a testament to their active participation in combat operations. The decoration serves as a recognition of the bravery and readiness displayed by the crew in the face of emerging threats in a volatile region.
The USS Carney’s deployment in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations is part of a broader commitment by the United States to secure maritime boundaries and to protect international shipping lanes as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian. The recent incidents in the Red Sea and the subsequent awarding of combat medals to the USS Carney crew underscore the ongoing challenges in the region and the vital role of the U.S. Navy in maintaining a stable and secure maritime environment.
The Navy has not stated if the USS Carney will return to the Red Sea. It will likely take some time for the ship to replenish stores and reload VLS anti-air missiles expended in combat.
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