NORFOLK, Va. — A ship from the Norfolk-based USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (CSG) comes under fire. In the end, the guided missile destroyer USS Mason and crew were unharmed.
Still, it's a sobering reminder of the danger that U.S. military members face every day.
According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the Mason on Sunday responded to a distress call from a commercial ship that reported that it was "under attack by an unknown entity."
The Mason pursued the attacker, resulting in their eventual surrender, CENTCOM said.
But, later, two ballistic missiles were fired from Houthi controlled areas in Yemen toward the general location of the Mason and commercial ship MV Central Park.
CENTCOM said there was no damage or reported injuries from either vessel during this incident.
"We're obviously still sorting through the operational details. We're obviously glad that the ship wasn't damaged, and no crew were hurt, and the missiles fell far short. But, again, we're looking into the details on this," said John Kirby, National Security Council spokesman.
In a statement, CENTCOM Commander Michael Erik Kurilla said "Maritime domain security is essential to regional stability. We will continue to work with allies and partners to ensure the safety and security of international shipping lanes."
The Mason, which is part of the Eisenhower CSG, deployed from Naval Station Mayport Florida on October 13. Meanwhile, the Ike and the guided Missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea and the guided missile destroyer USS Gravely deployed from Naval Station Norfolk on October 14.
The Mason was home-ported in Norfolk from the time of its commissioning in 2003. The Navy made a home-port switch for the Mason in August 2022, however, sending it to Mayport, Florida.