Leadership Tradition Runs Deep On Carney

By OS3 Timothy Yost

USS Carney

It takes a junior officer with honesty, integrity, respect and the right attitude to be awarded the USS Carney Cmdr. Lanny King Memorial Leadership award. This year, Lt.j.g. David Sweeney embodied those principals.

The award is unique to Carney, named after its first commanding officer, who passed away before Carney was commissioned. His memory lives on each year with this award, sponsored by the United States Naval Academy Class of 1964.

Sweeney, graduate of Cornell University, he showed exemplary leadership skills during Carney’s successful deployment last year.

In addition to his duties as anti-submarine warfare officer, he also was instrumental in carrying out the 217 visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) boardings that Carney conducted during its recent Arabian Gulf deployment. The 217

VBSS boardings set a record and established Carney as the preeminent MIO ship in the Gulf.

The boardings resulted in the interception of more than 7,000 metric tons of contraband Iraqi oil.

Rear Adm. James Stavridis of COMCRUDESGRU 12 presented the leadership award to Sweeney. “Let me tell you this,” said Stavridis, “I was in the Pentagon and all eyes were on Carney.”

He went on to congratulate all of Carney’s crew though he reserved a special congratulation for Sweeney.

In addition to Stavridis, there were other eminent guests. Virginia King, the widow of King, was also present for the ceremony.

John Palombi, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy Class of 1964, represented the five other class members that were in attendance. Palombi spoke about the history of the award and gave Sweeney a $1,000 savings bond. Capt. Paul Rosbolt, Commander Destroyer Squadron 24, was also in attendance.

The awarding of the Lanny King Memorial Leadership Award was the highlight in a ceremony in which many Carneymen received recognition for their continued dedication and service to the Navy.

Lt. Cmdr. Paul Young was given his new stripes and promoted to his new rank.

GM1(SW) John Russaw received Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for excellence while serving as a recruiter in Atlanta, Ga.

OS2 Joaquin Jiminez earned the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his outstanding service and dedication during Carney’s deployment.

ET1 (SW/AW) Patrick Spacek received the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service award for his help and dedication to his community. He was cited for his efforts and was congratulated for being an excellent example of the Navy’s continued service and dedication to the community in which it resides.

Good Conduct medals were also given to IC3 Charles Yeager, FC2 David Ragsdale, and to EW3 Robert Diedrich. “It feels really great to get recognition for all our hard work,” said Diedrich.