ATLANTIC OCEAN –
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) completed her support of the U.S.–led multinational integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) exercise Formidable Shield (FS) 19, May 17, 2019.
FS is a U.S. 6th Fleet-hosted exercise, conducted by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO). The 2019 exercise included 13 ships, more than 10 aircraft, and approximately 3,300 personnel from 12 countries, nine of which sent ships and aircraft.
“The exercise was a great opportunity for partner nations to come together and coordinate engagement strategies,” said Cmdr. Tyson Young, commanding officer of Carney. “This exercise allows us all to come together for the common goal of a more secure global environment.”
The exercise consisted of multiple training evolutions that included electronic warfare, surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and air defense.
The air defense portion included live missile engagements by the Standard Missile (SM)-2, Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles, Aster 15, and Aster 30. Missiles were fired upon various targets, including subsonic Banshee and Firejet targets and air-launched supersonic drone targets.
“It was a powerful feeling being able to push that button,” said Fire Controlman (Aegis) 2nd Class Brendan Hall, from Westport, Massachusetts, on being the one to fire Carney’s SM-2 missile during a live-fire portion of the exercise. “I have trained for this ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ moment since joining the Navy.”
Carney is scheduled to return to Rota, Spain, the ship’s homeport, following a successful FS 19.
U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.
For more news and information from commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.c6f.navy.mil.