From October 15, 1942, until July 1943 Carney commanded the cruiser in the Pacific Theater. He was twice decorated for engagements in the Solomon Islands campaign, earning the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" for meritorious service as Commanding Officer of "Denver" while attached to a task group of Admiral William Halsey's Third Fleet during operations against the Japanese-held Islands of Kolombangara, Shortland. Off Bougainville the night of July 26, 1943 he took advantage of poor weather to lay a large quantity of mines along sea lanes around the island, and then delivered a naval bombardment against the Japanese shore installations.