This port go to strengthens U.S.-Ghanaian partnership as the 2 nations work collectively for a secure, safe, and affluent Gulf of Guinea and West Africa area. It additionally permits the Sailors and Civilian Mariners of USS Hershel “Woody” Williams an opportunity to expertise the distinctive tradition, historic sights, and hospitality of a important regional companion.
“Our crew is happy to be right here in Tema and we thank the Ghanaian individuals for his or her unimaginable hospitality and enduring partnership,” mentioned Capt. Amy Lindahl, commanding officer of Hershel “Woody” Williams Blue MILCREW. “That is our first port go to on our present deployment to Africa, and Tema is the right place to kick off the entire upcoming bilateral and multilateral work we have now deliberate with our regional companions.”
The ship departed Naval Station Rota, Spain to start out deployment, Feb. 28, 2024. Previous to the Rota port go to, the ship accomplished a Mid-Time period Availability (MTA) on the Viktor Lenac shipyard in Rijeka, Croatia. Such a routine upkeep is essential to holding the ship on station and on mission in help of nationwide safety targets.
After departing Tema, Hershel “Woody” Williams will proceed its deployment to the African continent, leveraging alternatives to work alongside regional Allies and companions in a wide range of workouts and operations. A reputable, succesful naval presence will increase maritime safety, and highlights our shared dedication to fostering regional safety and stability amongst partnered and allied nation naval militaries.
The ship final accomplished a deployment to Africa in fall and winter 2023, with the Gold MILCREW on hull for the period. Throughout that deployment, the ship carried out a port go to to Tema, in October 2023.
Hershel “Woody” Williams is ahead deployed to Souda Bay, Greece and serves as the primary U.S. Navy ship assigned to the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) space of accountability. The ship is able to conducting expeditionary missions, counter piracy, maritime safety, and humanitarian and catastrophe reduction operations. Hershel “Woody” Williams’ distinctive capabilities are a part of the important entry infrastructure that helps the deployment of forces and provides to help world missions. The ship operates with blue and gold crews, permitting it to stay frequently deployed all through AFRICOM.
For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has cast strategic relationships with allies and companions, leveraging a basis of shared values to protect safety and stability.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces within the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of accountability. U.S. Sixth Fleet is completely assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces via the complete spectrum of joint and naval operations.
