USS Carney (DDG 64) returned to Rota, Spain, March 13, after a four month patrol in in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.

Carney departed Rota on November 7, 2015, beginning its first Forward Deployed Naval Force (FDNF) patrol in support of ballistic missile defense of Europe and Operation Atlantic Resolve.

"From the English channel to the Coast of Syria, Carney has covered over 20,700 nautical miles. I couldn't be more proud of the crew and how they have handled themselves over the past four months on our first [FDNF] patrol," said Cmdr. Kenneth Pickard, USS Carney (DDG 64) commanding officer. "They have performed admirably and we are all excited to get back to Rota and see our families."

While on patrol, Carney conducted ballistic missile defense, anti-submarine warfare, and theater security cooperation missions.

Carney visited Haifa, Israel in February. While in Israel, Carney hosted the Israeli minister of defense and the United States ambassador to Israel for a ship tour and joint press conference.

Carney visited Palma De Mallorca, Spain in March. While there, Sailors conducted a community relations project at a local animal shelter.

Carney's participation in combined underway tactical exchanges with allies and regional partners helped the United States continue its efforts to strengthen maritime partnerships throughout Europe.

Carney is the last of four Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers to be forward deployed in theater.

Carney is now scheduled to begin a Chief of Naval Operations Selected Restricted Availability, focused on modernization in preparation for subsequent patrols in the U.S. 6th Fleet.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/.