The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) returned to Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 17, after completing a four-month patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.
Carney departed Rota July 27, 2018, and began its fifth Forward-Deployed Naval Force (FDNF) patrol in support of regional allies and partners, and U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.
"From Valencia, Spain, in the Western Mediterranean to the eastern coast of the Black Sea in Batumi, Georgia, Carney nation executed Sixth Fleet tasking with resolute professionalism and pride,” said Cmdr. Tyson Young, Carney's commanding officer. “ It was an honor to serve with the more than 300 Carney Sailors over the course of the last four months. It is through them that this ‘505 Feet of American Fighting Steel’ can sustain its continued success."
While on patrol, Carney conducted missions in support of regional allies and partners in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions.
Carney and the crew also conducted several bilateral and multilateral exercises with Spanish, Egyptian, and Israeli navies in the Mediterranean to include Exercise Bright Star, Reliant Mermaid and SMARTEX - 181. Although each exercise was unique, each had the goal of improving maritime capabilities and reassuring NATO allies and regional partners of U.S. 6th Fleet's commitment to maritime security and stability in its area of operations.
The crew gave back to communities while moored in Algeria and Georgia by participating in community relations projects. In Algeria, Carney Sailors provided ship's tours to the local community and also cohosted a field day for local children with the U.S. Embassy to Algeria. In Georgia, Sailors worked hand in hand with locals to revitalize a community park. Both projects provided the opportunity to meet with the local populace, and experience the rich history and cultures of those countries.
Carney also hosted a number of receptions for distinguished visitors in Algeria, Romania, Georgia and Egypt, building upon existing relationships with regional allies. Sailors also shared camaraderie with fellow military forces through sportsmanship by playing soccer in Algeria and Egypt and a game of basketball in Georgia.
At the midpoint of the patrol, Carney returned to Rota for a two-week training and maintenance availability (TRAV).
Following TRAV, Carney returned to the Mediterranean Sea where it continued to conduct joint maritime security operations.
After travelling more than 17,000 nautical miles and visiting seven countries during the patrol, Carney and the crew returned to Rota on Nov. 17.
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.