USS Carney Returns From Middle East Deployment

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) has returned to the United States from its historic deployment off the coasts of Yemen, where it took part in numerous interceptions of Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting commercial shipping vessels in the region..While initially deployed the region immediately following the events of October 7 to "to bolster regional deterrence efforts," the USS Carney quickly became one of leading vessels in operations against Houthi forces under "Operation Prosperity Guardian.".Deployment Timeline.The USS Carney's first engagement came on October 19, 2023, when it intercepted at least three land-attack cruise missiles and eight explosive drones that were launched from Houthi-held areas of western Yemen towards Israel..On December 3, the USS Carney intercepted three explosive drones launched by Houthi forces while responding to distress signals from the commercial shipping vessels Unity Explorer, Number 9, and Sophie II, which were targeted by Houthi missiles. Later that month on December 16, The USS Carney intercepted 14 explosive drones, which was the largest attack by Houthis at the time..Over the next three months, the USS Carney participated in the interception of several other Houthi drones and missiles in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, while also taking part in emergency response to commercial vessels attacked by Houthi Forces. It was also during this time that the USS Carney intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile with an SM-6 anti-ballistic missile, marking the first publicly confirmed combat deployment of the system. Likewise, the vessel took part in strikes against the Houthi inside of Yemen, destroying 20 targets..In mid-April, the USS Carney also participated in the interception of several ballistic missiles during Iran's retaliatory attack against Israel, which was in response to the killing of several high ranking IRGC officials earlier in the month during an airstrike in Damascus, Syria..In total, the USS Carney took part in 51 engagements during its deployment, accounting for the interceptions of at least 30 drones and six missiles.