Guided-Missile Destroyer Departs Valleta, Malta

Guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) departed Valletta, Malta, Aug. 17, completing a scheduled port visit.

The visit was part of Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet (C6F) efforts to build global maritime partnerships with European nations, and improve maritime safety and security.

While in Valletta, the crew participated in cultural activities, opened the ship for tours, conducted a community relations project at Selmun Beach, and attended a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the 69th anniversary of Operation Pedestal, known by the Maltese as the Santa Marija Convoy.

“The wreath laying was beautiful and I was lucky to be part of the ceremony,” said Ensign Catherine Crum. “Operation Pedestal was the last effort by the Allies to get a convoy of supplies to Malta so they could continue to fight the Axis powers and disrupt their logistics convoys to Africa.”

“The entire event was an awesome experience and a great opportunity to meet some amazing people,” said Crum.
Carney is homeported in Mayport, Fla., and is on a three-month deployment supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the C6F area of responsibility.
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Source: navy, August 19, 2011;