U.S. Navy Destroyer Carney’s Year of Combat: A Turning Point in Maritime Warfare
By Geoff, Military Times Managing Editor
As the U.S. Navy destroyer Carney set sail across the Atlantic Ocean on October 7, 2023, its crew anticipated a routine deployment. However, events in the Middle East that day would soon catalyze a profound transformation within the Navy. The brutal attack by Hamas militants in Israel, which claimed over 1,200 lives, ignited a series of conflicts that have continued to destabilize the region.
Twelve days later, on October 19, the Carney made history by becoming the first American warship to intercept and neutralize a barrage of missiles and drones launched by Iran-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen. The operation, which unfolded over a tense ten hours, involved the destruction of 15 drones and four cruise missiles aimed at Israel. Commander Jeremy Robertson, the ship’s commanding officer at the time, reflected on the unexpected shift in mission focus, stating, “None of us really could have known what we were going to get into once Oct. 7 happened.”
The past year has thus transformed the Red Sea into a battlefield unlike any faced by the U.S. Navy since World War II, with continuous Houthi attacks necessitating near-daily combat readiness for destroyers operating in the region. Admiral Daryl Caudle, head of Fleet Forces Command, commented on the escalating complexities of global power dynamics and regional aggressions, emphasizing that any minor incident could have major consequences.
In the wake of the October 19 engagement, the Navy has adapted its tactics and enhanced its readiness, developing new combat protocols and technologies in response to the growing threat. Sailors on the Carney gained invaluable experience that connected their rigorous training to real-world combat scenarios. "This really gave our sailors the why," Commander Robertson said, highlighting the importance of understanding the relevance of their training.
Despite the tactical successes, concerns over the sustainability of the Navy’s engagement in the Red Sea are surfacing. Questions arise regarding the extensive usage of munitions against relatively low-cost Houthi drones and the potential implications for the Navy’s preparedness in the event of conflicts with major powers like China. Moreover, the frequency of Houthi attacks has strained not only ship resources but also the operational readiness of Navy aircraft carriers.
While the Navy’s air defense systems have proven effective against various threats, retired Navy officer James Holmes cautions that the larger strategic goals—specifically, ensuring the unhindered movement of merchant vessels through the Red Sea—remain unfulfilled. “The mission has fallen short of its strategic goal,” he noted.
As the Navy continues to adapt to this protracted conflict, experts like Bryan Clark advocate for increased efficiency in tackling Houthi threats through judicious use of resources. They suggest that the Pentagon might need to explore alternatives such as missile defense systems stationed on land to reduce pressure on naval assets.
Reflecting on his tenure aboard the Carney, Commander Robertson remarked on the surreal nature of their experiences, emphasizing the bond formed among the crew and the lasting impact of their combat encounters. As the Navy enters a new chapter of operations in the Red Sea, Admiral Caudle reaffirms a commitment to readiness: “We’re ready for this fight, no matter how long it lasts.”
With the anniversary of Carney’s historic engagement approaching, the unfolding narrative of U.S. naval involvement in the region continues, underscoring its significant role in contemporary maritime warfare.
