Previous to arriving in Rota, the ship accomplished a Mid-Time period Availability (MTA) on the Viktor Lenac shipyard in Rijeka, Croatia. Upkeep work throughout the MTA included Security of Life At Sea gear akin to communication, fireplace security, and navigation, in addition to upgrading decking and coatings to extend security, particularly in opposed working circumstances.
Whereas deployed within the NAVAF space of operations, Hershel “Woody” Williams will take part in a number of bilateral and multilateral operations, actions, and workouts with worldwide companions and Allies.
“Our crew is happy to start this deployment and to sail alongside our companions and Allies throughout the African continent,” stated Capt. Amy Lindahl, commanding officer of Hershel “Woody” Williams Blue MILCREW. “Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams’ deployment to Africa underscores our dedication to the area, and we sit up for working with our counterparts to make sure safety, security, and freedom of navigation.”
Hershel “Woody” Williams accomplished its most up-to-date deployment to the African continent in fall and winter 2023 with the Gold MILCREW on the helm. Throughout that deployment, the ship spent a big period of time within the Gulf of Guinea and in Western Africa, demonstrating the U.S. Navy’s enduring presence within the area. The ship additionally performed port visits to Lomé, Togo, in September 2023, and Tema, Ghana in October.
A crew of U.S. Marines embarked aboard the ship throughout their most up-to-date deployment, as effectively. Whereas underway with the ship, Marine Corps Fight Engineers helped construct a youth middle in Ain Ghellal, Tunisia, and embarked Marines offered coaching to Senegalese Maritime Interceptors throughout Train Grand African NEMO 2023 to fight drug smuggling and different illicit exercise.
“Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams continues to function a tangible instance of the U.S. Navy’s dedication to working with our African companions to handle regional challenges and maritime threats, and I commend the crews for his or her dedication to finishing up this essential mission,” stated Rear Adm. Chase Patrick, deputy commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet. “Simply as they’ve executed in earlier deployments, these crews will bolster our partnerships, improve regional collaboration, and strengthen maritime safety in African waters.”
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 essential 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 regularly 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 by means of the total spectrum of joint and naval operations.
