By Diyar Guldogan
WASHINGTON (AA) - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney had 51 engagements with Houthi missiles and drones during its time in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the US defense chief said Friday.
"The Carney conducted 51 engagements in six months, which is the most direct Navy engagement with a foe since World War II," Llyod Austin told the graduating service members in Annapolis, Maryland.
Austin said he spoke with ensigns of the class of 2023 who were aboard the ship.
"They helped defend freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. They helped those in distress at sea. They helped degrade the capabilities of the Iranian-backed Houthi militia. And they helped shoot down missiles and UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles)," he added.
More than 300 sailors aboard the destroyer returned to Naval Station Mayport on May 19 after being deployed to provide deterrence and defense to US allies and partners, for more than seven months after the Israel-Hamas war began Oct. 7.
Commanding officer Jeremy Robertson said the destroyer was not damaged and did not suffer any crew casualties in the Red Sea.