“I could not be more proud of what the Carney team has done since September,” said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti aboard Carney in the official U.S. Navy Press Release on the battle. “Called to action on the very first day that you entered the U.S. 5th Fleet, you conducted 51 engagements in 6 months. The last time our Navy directly engaged the enemy to the degree that you have was way back in World War II, and it was the USS Hugh Hadley (DD-774), with her engagement record of 23. 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.”
Upon the destroyer’s return, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro awarded the USS Carney and its crew the U.S. Navy Unit Commendation. “The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) returned to Naval Station Mayport, Florida, May 19, after being deployed for more than seven months to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe – Africa and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command areas of operation,” stated the U.S. Navy’s official Press Release on the battle. “While independently deployed, Carney served as an air defense unit for strike group forces in the eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea and worked closely with Allies and partners during a variety of missions.”
While specific details of the anti-missile and counter-drone engagement cannot be disclosed for operational security reasons, Naval News asked Commander Robertson two questions.
The first question: Did the USS Carney have any maintenance issues that cannot be repaired, and would new destroyer tenders hypothetically be helpful?
“One of the things that we’re very prideful in is our self-sustainability,” said Commander Robertson. “These ships and weapons systems are very redundant systems. And we have some incredible technicians and maintainers, and our sailors are very innovative. If you give them the intention, time, and energy, they’ll figure it out. We were able to look within the system supply. The supply system is a very robust system as well.
“We had [maintenance issues], of course, everyone has maintenance issues, right? Our ship just celebrated its 28th birthday. The last time I checked, that’s newer than my 1999 Ford Expedition. The systems are doing really well and doing what they’re designed to do. And our sailors are really innovative and able to keep them working and keep the team safe.”
Naval News asked the second question: Similar to battle commanders of the past, did the crew and commander of the USS Carney believe in omens, good luck, superstitions, a higher being, and guardian angels, or did they place more faith in working systems and technologies?
Commander Robertson replied, “Honestly, I believe in the team, and I believe in all the training. I have faith in our sailors. I have faith in their ability to rise to the occasion. I am at the tail-end of my career, and when some of these guys [retire], these young men and women are the future of the Navy, and they are incredible sailors. They are incredibly motivated and incredibly inspiring to me as well. And it’s a joy to be around [them] and to be in charge of America’s sons and daughters. And I’m incredibly blessed to have such a great team. And I’m fortunate to be around innovative, exciting, coachable teammates that are on my team and in the United States Navy. The future is looking bright for the U.S. Navy.”
Naval News Comments
Naval News has kept abreast of developments in the Red Sea. These news stories of international warship deployments and missile intercepts can be found here, here, and here. For more stories on the Red Sea, click here.
