USS CARNEY FORCED TO DEFEND AGAINST DRONES FROM HOUTHI REBELS
Since its commission in 1996, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer has been helping defend the United States over the open seas. Missions change as needed, but the USS Carney (DDG-64) has played an active role in defeating ISIS, maintaining a positive show of force in Europe, and keeping the peace in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Now, the ship and its crew are helping defend the state of Israel from incoming enemy missile attacks in the region. On December 3, 2023, things escalated in a concerning manner as the USS Carney defended itself and civilian ships from an attack caused by Houthi rebels. Related read: Communication and Tech Create Ideal Leadership Conditions for USS Mount Whitney
What Fleet Zone Is USS Carney Attached To?
Operating with both the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleets, the USS Carney has defended Americans throughout the globe. However, with the rise in tensions stemming from the Hamas-led terrorist attack in Israel in October 2023, the USS Carney deployment has been focused on duty with the U.S. 5th Fleet since. There have been various joint exercises with other nations, showcasing the ship’s ability to collaborate with allies for naval operations. Cmdr. Jeremy Robertson has ample experience having operated on various warships. Currently, he serves as the USS Carney Commanding Officer. Often, the ship finds itself defending the United States on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, Mayport, Florida is where you’ll find the USS Carney homeport. Equipped with a variety of advanced missiles and radars, the ship is capable of defending both below and above the surface with significant firepower. This makes it perfect for defending the Red Sea. From historical and religious standpoints, the Red Sea holds a lot of significance to different groups. Yet, in modern times, it plays a crucial role in the world economy. Without it, shipping between Asia and Europe would take double the time. It’s a notable shortcut between the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean. For America and many others, this body of water is a vital passage for economic purposes. However, it also embodies a breeding ground for piracy and political statements. Unlike an inconvenient protest or a viral slogan, these statements are often violent acts of war. Such incidents have been directly in focus following the attack on Israel by Hamas in October 2023. As a show of support for Palestine, Houthi rebels in Yemen (backed by support from Iran) have been sending attacks. Now, instead of defending Israel, the USS Carney was forced to defend itself and others in the area this December.
Four Attacks From Iranian-Backed Houthi Rebels in Yemen Trigger a Response
There were four attacks on ships in the southern portion of the Red Sea. Commercial ships were under attack from a ballistic missile. In addition, there were multiple drones stopped by the USS Carney. Whether or not the Arleigh-Burke class destroyer was the target of the Yemen rebels still isn’t clear. However, a missile did land near the ship and the attack was close enough to trigger a response. However, the Unity Explorer was hit by a missile. As the USS Carney was responding to the distress call, an incoming drone was detected. The ship responded and destroyed the drone before further damage could occur. However, two other ships were experiencing attacks on the same day. Following the end of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, these actions are not surprising. However, they showcase a troubling trend. The actions jeopardize the economy and safety of those in the region with the potential to evolve into something more. Now, more eyes will be on the Middle East as the end of 2023 continues to watch tensions rise through the region on multiple fronts.
An Ongoing Arson Investigation
A fire occurred on December 23, 2022, aboard the guided-missile destroyer at Naval Station Mayport, Florida. There are few details, but six Sailors were hospitalized for smoke inhalation. Thankfully, all Sailors went home the same day. At first, questions swirled around the cause of the USS Carney fire, but they did not suspect foul play. However, a closer look would change the investigation that continues to be ongoing as arson is now suspected. Navy investigators have opened up to the idea of potential arson and are offering a reward worth thousands of dollars for information leading to the responsible parties. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has been helping find the potential parties responsible. While the blaze was a medium, class-A fire, the ship’s crew, those from the USS Mason, and Jacksonville Fire and Rescue were all able to subdue the flames relatively quickly. Suggested read: Save Our Allies Is Continuing Its Mission in Israel and Gaza
The USS Carney Has Taken An Active Role in Defending Israel
Missiles and drones from Yemen were heading towards potential targets in Israel causing the USS Carney to take action. In the region to assist in defending Israel and providing intel, the warship intercepted a possible attack fired by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. The trajectory of the attack would put the missiles hitting towards the north. This would endanger Israel. However, the crew intercepted them in the Red Sea before the attack was over. Houthi has been very supportive of the ongoing attacks from Hamas and has also threatened Israel. As an ongoing conflict, the fight for Palestinians and Jews in the region could potentially spread. For now, the USS Carney is on standby. Iran, Hezbollah, and others in the region are offering support efforts from Hamas, while the U.S. is Israel’s greatest ally. Iran has already committed to threats toward Israel if the nation doesn’t quit attacking Hamas. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas. Many experts believe a ground invasion is imminent. For now, Israel continues to bomb the Gaza Strip in an attempt to destroy the infrastructure of Hamas before it presumably invades the area on foot. Presently, the United States is looking to support Israel indirectly and remain out of the actual conflict. Read next: US Troops Deployed? Thousands Await the Middle East
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