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TEMA, Ghana – The Blue military crew (MILCREW) of the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) and the ship’s Military Sealift Command Civilian Mariners (CIVMARs) arrived in Tema, Ghana for a regularly scheduled port visit, April 19, 2024.
This port visit strengthens the U.S.-Ghanaian partnership as the two nations work together for a stable, secure, and prosperous Gulf of Guinea and West Africa region. It also allows the Sailors and CIVMARs of Hershel “Woody” Williams a chance to continue to strengthen interpersonal bonds forged with Ghanaian counterparts and prepare for a personnel turnover, or “crew swap,” to the Gold MILCREW.
“Our crew is excited to be back in Tema and we’re very thankful for the opportunity to once again experience the rich culture and hospitality of a great African partner,” said Capt. Amy Lindahl, commanding officer of Hershel “Woody” Williams Blue MILCREW. “We’ve worked hard throughout this deployment, facing new and unique challenges along the way, but we are finally ready to turnover the ship to our Gold MILCREW counterparts, and we wish them the best of luck in their future bilateral and multilateral work they have planned.”
The ship previously conducted a port visit to Tema in March, departing the port along with two Ghana Navy ships for Exercise Sea Lion 24, March 19. After finishing Sea Lion, the ship continued their normal cycle of training and exercises with other partner nations, including Nigeria, and Italy. Working alongside regional Allies and partners supports building and maintaining a credible, capable naval presence and underscores a shared commitment to regional security and stability.
After departing Tema, Hershel “Woody” Williams will continue its deployment to the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) area of responsibility, with the Gold MILCREW on hull. The ship will continue to leverage opportunities to work alongside partners and Allies in a variety of exercises and operations.
Hershel “Woody” Williams is forward deployed to Souda Bay, Greece and serves as the first U.S. Navy ship assigned to the AFRICOM area of responsibility. The ship is capable of conducting expeditionary missions, counter piracy, maritime security, and humanitarian and disaster relief operations. Hershel "Woody" Williams’ unique capabilities are part of the critical access infrastructure that supports the deployment of forces and supplies to support global missions. The ship operates with blue and gold crews, allowing it to remain continually deployed throughout AFRICOM.
For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the USEUCOM and USAFRICOM areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.
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| Date Taken: | 04.19.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 04.26.2024 02:37 |
| Story ID: | 469052 |
| Location: | TEMA, GH |
| Web Views: | 60 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) returns to Tema, Ghana, by PO2 Ethan Morrow, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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