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'Robert Bostwick Carney' (26 March 1895- 25 June 1990) was an admiral in the United States Navy who served as Chief of Naval Operations during the Eisenhower administration.

Contents

Early years

Between wars

World War 2

Post war

Decorations

Legacy

References

Early years

Born in Vallejo, California, Carney graduated from the Naval Academy in 1916. He served in World War I, seeing combat against German U-boats.

Between wars

Carney served as Flag Secretary to Admiral Louis R. de Steiguer during the mid-1920s during de Steiguer's time in command of various battleship forces. Their relationship was not happy, mainly due to de Steiguer imperious manner described by Carney as "constant pressure, irascibility, criticism, and unpleasantness". Famously, Carney eventually marched into de Steiguer's cabin, snapped, "Admiral, I just want to tell you I think you are a goddamn rotten son of a bitch," and stormed out. After failing to retrieve Carney via Marine orderly, de Steiguer visited Carney's cabin in person, said, "Sonny, you've been working too hard. You and I are going ashore," and took Carney on an epic drinking binge. Carney ultimately concluded that his three years with de Steiguer had been a valuable experience, but not one he would have chosen to repeat.^[1]

World War 2

In February 1941, Admiral (then Commander) Carney was recalled from duty in the Pacific Fleet to assist in organizing, equipping, and training of a special Surface-Air Force, having as its mission the protection of shipping against submarine and air attack. This force became fully involved in convoy escort prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. From September 1941, until April 1942, this Force, under its Commander, the late Vice Admiral Arthur L. Bristol, Jr., established the remarkable record of escorting over 2,600 ships on the ocean lanes with a loss of only six ships.
From October 15, 1942, until July, 1943, he commanded the cruiser USS ''Denver'' in the Pacific Theater, and was twice decorated for engagements in the Solomon Islands campaign. He earned the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" for meritorious service as Commanding Officer of ''Denver'', attached to a task Group of Admiral William Halsey's 3rd Fleet, during operations against the enemy Japanese-held Islands of Kolombangara, Shortland, and Bougainville, in the Solomon area, the night of July 26, 1943. Proceeding through unfamiliar waters, he took advantage of adverse weather to lay a large quantity of explosive mines along sea lanes extensively used by the enemy and, in addition, delivered a smashing naval bombardment against Japanese shore installations on these islands.
On July 29, 1943, he was promoted to Rear Admiral and became Chief of Staff to Admiral Halsey, commander, South Pacific Force, which included all ground, sea, and air forces in the South Pacific area. Carney later wrote that "Admiral Halsey unfailingly gave credit to his subordinates for successes achieved, and took all blame for failures on his own shoulders."
While in this assignment, Rear Admiral Carney was awarded his second Distinguished Service Medal for contributions which he made in the field of over-all strategy and the organizing of the logistic support of the Allied Forces in the South Pacific, the citation stating, in part:

"Displaying sound judgement and distinctive tactical ability, he conceived and correlated the many offensive operations carried out in the Solomon Islands and Bismarck Archipelago areas. Through his comprehensive knowledge of logistics and his expert planning, he enabled our Forces to exert their greatest strength against the enemy and administer a series of crushing defeats on the Japanese."

When Admiral Halsey assumed command of the 3rd Fleet in the Central Pacific in June, 1944, Rear Admiral Carney accompanied him as Chief of Staff. He took part in the Palau, Leyte, Lingayen, and Okinawa campaigns and in the attack on Formosa, in the China Sea; against the Japanese homeland and the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea.
Rear Admiral Carney arranged with Japanese emissaries for the entry of the 3rd Fleet into Tokyo Bay, accepted the surrender of Yokosuka Naval Base and surrounding area from Vice Admiral Totsuka, of the Imperial Japanese Navy, and attended the surrender ceremony held on board Admiral Halsey's Flagship the Battleship USS ''Missouri'' (BB-63).

Post war

After the war, he was promoted to Vice Admiral in 1946, and until February 1950, served as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations. Next he assumed command of the Second Fleet operating on the East Coast of the United States. On October 2, 1950, he was advanced in rank to Admiral and on May 13, 1953, President Eisenhower announced his selection of Admiral Carney as the next Chief of Naval Operations.
On completion of his appointment as Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Carney retired from active service. Over the next several years, Admiral Carney’s various assignments, coupled with his personal interest in industrial participation in the defense effort, resulted in close contact with industry including the position of Chairman of the Board, Bath Iron Works, Corporation.

Decorations

In addition to the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal with three Gold Stars, the Legion of Merit with Combat "V", and the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V", Admiral Carney held the World War I Victory Medal, Destroyer Clasp (USS ''Fanning''), the American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp (USS ''California''), the American Area Campaign Medal; the European African-Middle Eastern Area Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal, the latter with nine Battle Stars, the World War II Victory Medal, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and two Bronze Stars. Admiral Carney also held decorations from twelve foreign countries, many including highest military recognition.

Legacy

USS ''Carney'' (DDG-64) was named in his honor.

References

1. Taussig, Betty Carney (1995), A Warrior for Freedom, Manhattan, Kansas: Sunflower University Press, at 42-43