Sea Lion 24 introduced collectively Hershel “Woody” Williams, the U.S. Navy’s solely ship assigned to U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), and Ghana Navy ships GNS Volta (P.40) and GNS Ankobra (P.43). The train started with a flagging-off ceremony hosted by the Ghana army, with Ghana Chief of Defence Employees Lt. Gen. Thomas Oppong-Peprah main the ceremony.
In assist of the train, Hershel “Woody” Williams hosted 5 Sailors from the Ghana Navy, whereas two U.S. Sailors launched into the Ghana Navy vessels. In the course of the personnel alternate, Sailors made their technique to longitude and latitude 0° on the middle of the Earth. The Sailors then swapped again to their very own ship by way of two separate personnel transfers from Hershel “Woody” Williams’ rigid-hull inflatable boat crew.
“It was a pleasure internet hosting the Ghana Sailors aboard the “Woody” Williams and with the ability to be taught extra about their Navy and tradition,” stated Capt. Amy Lindahl, commanding officer of Hershel “Woody” Williams. “It was additionally superb to see our two Sailors come again with large smiles and nice tales to inform about their time on their respective ships.”
As soon as the ships reached longitude and latitude 0° the Sailors aboard the Ghana ships held a crossing the road ceremony.
“It was an superior expertise to go on the market and actually be taught their tradition and crossing the road ceremony,” stated Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Dealing with) Andrew Hill, one of many Sailors that embarked aboard the Ghana Navy ships. “It was actually nice to work along with them as a result of they have been completely superb hosts to us whereas we have been onboard.”
Hershel “Woody” Williams is ahead deployed to Souda Bay, Greece and serves as the primary U.S. Navy ship assigned to the AFRICOM space of accountability. The ship is able to conducting expeditionary missions, counter piracy, maritime safety, and humanitarian and catastrophe aid operations. Hershel “Woody” Williams’ distinctive capabilities are a part of the vital entry infrastructure that helps the deployment of forces and provides to assist 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-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has solid 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 complete spectrum of joint and naval operations.
