US Navy Awards USS Carney’s Crew For Thwarting Houthi Attacks In The Red Sea

The crew of the USS Carney, a destroyer in the Navy deployed with the Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, has received recognition for their outstanding work thwarting drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels supported by Iran. Vice Adm. Brad Cooper awarded five sailors combat medals for the ship’s effective intercept of 14 Houthi air drones on December 16 as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian.

Three sailors were given Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medals, while Carney’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Jeremy Robertson and another sailor were given Navy Commendation medals. Notably, the crew was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (CAR), a unique decoration in contemporary Navy history that certifies their exceptional bravery in the face of enemy fire.

Carney has been actively involved in mitigating threats to maritime commerce since October, during which the Red Sea had become a focal point for Houthi strikes. Officials won’t comment on whether the ship was a direct target, but the CAR’s qualifying requirements indicate that hostile drones should be actively engaged.

Twenty-one sailors received awards from Army Gen. Michael Kurilla for their activities on October 19, during which the crew successfully defended the ship against a sophisticated air strike. The ship’s commanding officer was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for his achievements.

The United States military has formed an international task force to protect the Red Sea but has not attacked Houthi sites directly in Yemen. The recent actions of the warship Gravely and the Navy helicopters against the Houthi vessels highlight the continued difficulties in the area.

The U.S. Central Command declared that appropriate reactions would be taken into consideration in collaboration with foreign allies, attributing the attacks to Houthi actions that Iran enabled. The U.S. Navy’s essential role in preserving regional maritime security is highlighted by the USS Carney’s return to the Persian Gulf with combat honours.

Reference: Navy Times

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Source: Maritime Shipping News