USS Carney Arrival Prompts Russian Response

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney entered the Black Sea on August 12 in order to conduct maritime security operations and enhance capability and interoperability with allies and partners in the region.

“Carney’s arrival in the Black Sea demonstrates our continued commitment to security and stability in the region. Our time spent here will help us improve interoperability and the sharing of information and experiences with our partner nations,” said Commander Tyson Young.

USS Carney entered the land-locked sea, accessed by the Bosporus Strait, which is a common stomping ground for clashes between the US and Russia. US warships regularly make port calls and carry out missions in the Black Sea, which is flanked by NATO allies Romania, Turkey and Bulgaria. 

Russia has promised it will respond to the deployment, with two Russian warships having just entered the Mediterranean. Frants Klintsevich, a member of the defense committee of the upper house of Russian parliament, issued a response to the US. 

"A reaction will certainly follow. And it will not be spontaneous; it will be within the program of Russia's security control in the Black Sea,” Klintsevich said.

By Shawn Wayne