The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) departed Split, Croatia, Dec. 27, 2017, after completing a scheduled port visit. The ship's presence in the Mediterranean Sea is a demonstration of the U.S. Navy's continued commitment to the collective security of the European region. While in Split, the crew enjoyed liberty, cultural exchanges, and were able to see some of Croatia's historical and cultural treasures and participate in two guided tours. "We are thankful for the hospitality of our Croatian hosts and for the opportunity to spend Christmas in Split," said Cmdr. Peter F. Halvorsen, commanding officer of Carney. The last U.S. Navy ship to conduct a port visit in Croatia was the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) in December 2016. Carney, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting a routine patrol to support U.S. national security interests in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.