The U.S. Navy will commission its newest guided missile destroyer Carney (DDG64)
in ceremonies at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 13, 1996, at Naval Station, Mayport,Florida.
The ship is named in honor of Admiral Robert B. Carney, U.S. Navy (1895-1990)who served as Chief of Naval Operations from 1953-1955.
Admiral Carney wasawarded the Navy Cross, a Bronze Star, and a Legion of Merit, for Pacific Fleetoperations during World War II, and four Distinguished Service Medals.
Serving as ship's sponsor will be Admiral Carney's daughter, Betty Taussig,who will give the traditional first order to "man our ship and bring her tolife."
Admiral Jay L. Johnson, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, will be the ceremony'sprincipal speaker.
Vice Admiral Douglas J. Katz, Commander, Naval SurfaceForce, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, will also attend the ceremony.
Carney is the 14th of 35 Arleigh Burke Class destroyers currently authorizedby Congress.
These multi-mission ships are equipped with the Navy's modernAegis combat weapons system, which combines space-age communication, radar andweapons technologies in a single platform for unlimited flexibility whileoperating "Forward...From the Sea." These new destroyers will replace older,less capable ships that are being taken out of service as the Navy reducesspending while maintaining quality as part of its overall plan to recapitalizethe fleet.
These versatile ships are designed to operate independently or insupport of aircraft carrier and amphibious operations.
The ship is equipped to carry Standard surface-to-air-missiles and Tomahawkcruise missiles launched from forward and aft vertical launching systems; twofully automated, radar- controlled Phalanx close-in weapon systems; Harpoonanti-ship missiles; one five-inch gun and electronic warfare systems.
Carney is 505 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 66 feet and displacesapproximately
8,422 tons fully loaded.
Four gas turbine engines power the ship to speeds inexcess of 30 knots.
Carney will have a crew of 22 officers, and 315 enlistedpersonnel.
Commander John T. McMurtrie, Jr., of Barnwell, South Carolina,will assume command of the new destroyer.
For information related to the commissioning, contact the Public AffairsOffice, Naval Station, Mayport, Florida, at (904) 270-5226.
