JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As part of a mission to defend Europe against ballistic missile threats originating in the Middle East, the last of four ships has left Naval Station Mayport for Spain in a mission that was first introduced by President Barack Obama in Sept. 2009.
The USS Carney, along with 250 sailors, will leave Naval Station Mayport for the last time as the ship heads to their new home port in Rota, Spain. The Carney is one of four Navy ships in the fleet reassigned to Rota.
"That region needs to be secure. Our presence alone, with the four ships being over there, sends a huge signal that were there, and we're ready to get this increase in flexibility to adapt to any kind of situation that could arise in a moment's notice," Command Master Chief John Lonsdale said.
By hosting these ships, Spain will continue its vital role by enhancing the security of the European region, Mediterranean Basin and Atlantic Ocean.
This shift also enables the United States to provide rapid and responsive support to the U.S. Africa and U.S. Central Command's Areas of Responsibility as needed.
"We are a ballistic missile defense destroyer, and as a part of the European phase adaptive approach, we're going to have a constant presence in the Mediterranean to protect Europe, to work with NATO," Lonsdale said.
"There's a lot of excitement, anticipation and anxiety taking a ship, taking families and moving it across the country," U.S.S. Carney Commanding Officer Kent Pacard said.
But not everyone is excited
"Family's not happy, because I'm going to be doing eight months in Rota, so it's another deployment for me. But they're understanding (about) what I'm doing and will be out there supporting me for whatever I do, Syed Balki said.
Sunday, the pier will line with teary eyed family and friends, wishing their sailors a safe deployment.