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By Konstantin Toropin, Military News, 5-24-24
Six U.S. warships, in addition to the USS Carney, that deployed to the Middle East to fend off attacks by Houthi rebels were given prestigious military awards for actions “under enemy fire,” Military.com has learned.
The Carney, which returned home earlier this week, was the only ship the Navy publicly acknowledged had been awarded the Combat Action Ribbon for the Red Sea operations. But the award was also given to the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier; the USS Philippine Sea cruiser; and the destroyers USS Thomas Hudner, Gravely, Laboon and Mason, according to a citation released by the Navy to Military.com.
Individual sailors aboard the Carney were also awarded for actions under fire, including a Bronze Star for the ship’s commanding officer.
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With the Carney’s return to Mayport, Florida, Navy officials have become more willing to offer details about the ships’ operations in the Red Sea, shedding light on how military leaders are viewing and recognizing the numerous encounters with drones and missiles fired by Houthis intent on interrupting international shipping.
The seven Navy ships encountered more than 20 instances of combat between October 2023 and April 2024, according to the dates of eligibility in the citation, likely making the strike group one of the most battle-tested groups of ships in the modern era.
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Konstantin Toropin
Konstantin Toropin is a reporter for Military.com, where he serves as the publication’s Pentagon correspondent while also specializing in coverage of the Navy. He is a Navy veteran, having served five years in the surface fleet as a signals intelligence analyst. Prior to joining Military.com, he covered breaking national news for CNN. In 2023, he was recognized as one of the top 10 veterans in journalism by Military Veterans in Journalism (MVJ). Read Full Bio
