Petty Officer 3rd Class Cole Sweeney, a native of Fulton, serves aboard the USS Carney Navy destroyer, currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. Sweeney serves as a quartermaster and was aboard the ship Oct. 19, when the crew of the Carney shot down multiple land attack cruise missiles and unmanned aerial […]
Petty Officer 3rd Class Cole Sweeney, a native of Fulton, serves aboard the USS Carney Navy destroyer, currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.
Sweeney serves as a quartermaster and was aboard the ship Oct. 19, when the crew of the Carney shot down multiple land attack cruise missiles and unmanned aerial drones launched by Houthi forces in Yemen while the ship was operating in the northern Red Sea. The missiles and drones were believed headed toward Israel when the Carney intercepted them.
“As Quartermaster of the Watch, I was in charge of maintaining a safe navigational picture for the ship,” said Sweeney. “I also assisted the bridge watch team and executive officer in spotting the fallen debris after each engagement. I also drove the ship as a Master Helmsman to ensure all course and speed changes were executed with precision.”
The engagement lasted several hours and made news worldwide.
According to Cmdr. Jeremy Robertson, the Carney’s commanding officer, crewmembers like Sweeney made all the difference.
“We could not have done this without all of the preparation and the support from our families back home,” Robertson said. “This is what we are meant to do, and on that day, the crew came together and executed the mission seamlessly.”
The Carney’s deployment helps ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.
“Supporting the mission means I get to play a vital role in protecting the lives and liberties of our allies around the globe,” said Sweeney.
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers such as the USS Carney are outfitted with the world’s most sophisticated weaponry systems. They further strengthen the U.S. Navy’s contribution to national security by deterring potential adversaries and protecting vital assets.
The U.S. Navy is engaged, postured, and ready with credible force to assure, deter, and defend in an increasingly complex security environment. Our primary goal is to contribute to a peaceful, stable, and conflict-free region through the combined naval power of our allies and partners. ν