USS Carney wraps up European patrol

US Navy’s guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) completed a four-month patrol in the US 6th Fleet area of operations, returning to Naval Station Rota, Spain, November 17.

USS Carney (DDG 64) returns to Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 17, 2018. Photo: US Navy

Carney departed Rota July 27, 2018, and began its fifth Forward-Deployed Naval Force patrol 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 US 6th Fleet tasking with resolute professionalism and pride,” said Cmdr. Tyson Young, Carney’s commanding officer.

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.

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 co-hosted a field day for local children with the US Embassy to Algeria. In Georgia, Sailors worked hand in hand with locals to revitalize a community park.

Carney also hosted a number of receptions for distinguished visitors in Algeria, Romania, Georgia and Egypt, building upon existing relationships with regional allies.

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 returned to Rota.