The guided-missile destroyer, USS Carney (DDG 64) departed El Ferrol, Spain, May 8, after a regularly scheduled port visit.
The purpose of the port visit reinforced U.S. 6th Fleet’s efforts in building global maritime partnerships with European nations, improving maritime safety and contributing to global security.
“We’ve been forward deployed with many of the ships here in El Ferrol, and were excited to come meet them at their home,” said Cmdr. Eddie Crossman, Carney’s commanding officer. “It was a great port visit that highlighted the closeness of our countries.”
While in port, the ship hosted a reception for the U.S. Ambassador to Spain, James Costos; members of the local government; and the Spanish Navy, including Vice Adm. Manuel Garat Carame, Commander of Arsenal de Ferrol; and the captains of various Spanish ships.
Carney’s visit provided the crew the opportunity to interact with the sailors of the Spanish Fleet. Carney hosted members of the Spanish frigate, Blas de Lezo (F-103) for a tour. Blas de Lezo reciprocated the gesture with a tour of their ship and a small reception in their wardroom. After the conclusion of the tours, Sailors from both ships participated in a soccer game.
Sailors assigned to Carney also got to experience the rich culture and history of El Ferrol and the surrounding area while in port.
“From visiting the Castillo de San Felipe to the friendships made on the futbol (soccer) field, the Carney truly enjoyed our visit to El Ferrol,” Crossman said. “The generous hospitality of the people of Spain helped our Sailors gain an appreciation for their country, thus strengthening the bonds between the U.S. and Spain.”
Carney, homeported in Mayport, Fl. is on a scheduled deployment supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.
U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts a full range of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation missions in concert with coalition, joint, interagency, and other partners in order to advance security and stability in Europe and Africa.
[mappress] Press Release, May 12, 2014; Image: US Navy