McAlisterville native serves aboard guided missile destroyer in the Red Sea
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(Editor's Note: This story was originally published in the Jan. 4, 2024 edition of The Sentinel)
MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Chief Petty Officer Noah Wicks, a native of McAlisterville, Pennsylvania, serves aboard USS Carney, currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.
Wicks serves as an operations specialist and was aboard the ship Oct. 19, when the crew of Carney shot down multiple land attack cruise missiles and unmanned aerial drones launched by Houthi forces in Yemen while the ship was operating in the northern Red Sea. The missiles and drones were believed to be headed toward Israel when Carney intercepted them.
"I was the anti-air warfare coordinator, in charge of managing the air picture on radar, evaluating air contacts and assessing if they pose a threat to the ship or region we are operating in," said Wicks.
The engagement lasted several hours and made news worldwide. According to Cmdr. Jeremy Robertson, Carney's commanding officer, crewmembers like Wicks made all the difference.
"We train to go into harm's way," Robertson said. “Our ship's motto is 'Resolute, Committed, Successful' and on that day, the Carney crew lived up to those three words. It's an honor to be the commanding officer of every single sailor aboard this ship."
Carney's deployment helps ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.
"Supporting this deployment means I'm a part of something bigger than just myself," said Wicks. "Being able to be out here and assist in defending other countries and their assets gives me purpose and sanctification.”
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers such as Carney are outfitted with the world's most sophisticated weaponry systems. They further strengthen the U.S. Navy's contribution to national security by deterring potential adversaries and protecting vital assets.
"I'm extremely proud of the Carney team," Robertson added. "Every member of the crew performed exactly what we have been training to do and kept Carney engaged throughout the fight during this act. We could not have done this without all of the preparation and the support from our families back home. This is what we are meant to do, and on that day, the crew came together and executed the mission seamlessly."
The U.S. Navy is engaged, postured, and ready with credible force to assure, deter, and defend in an increasingly complex security environment. Our primary goal is to contribute to a peaceful, stable, and conflict-free region through the combined naval power of our allies and partners.