Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Jacob Milham | USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) Sailors visited the Darlington, S.C., Veterans Memorial...... read more read more
COLUMBIA, S.C. – A USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) crew contingent traveled to Columbia, S.C. Oct. 18 to support the Navy Week event there, to visit the hometown of the ship’s namesake and members of his family.
Throughout the week, six USS James E. Williams Sailors supported numerous opportunities to speak with the people of South Carolina about what being in the Navy is like, to tell them about duty aboard the guided-missile destroyer and how each of their careers differ. The events also included meeting with Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps students, volunteering at the Columbia Food Bank and participating in the raising of the flag ceremony at the South Carolina State Fair.
At the end of the week, the DDG 95 Sailors set out to learn about their ship’s namesake and spend with his family.
The ship is named for the South Carolina Native American and Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class James E. Williams, a river patrol commander who served in Vietnam and Korea. He is the most decorated U.S. Navy enlisted Sailor in history. Among other honors, the Korean and Vietnam War veteran was awarded the Medal of Honor and three Purple Hearts.
Throughout his 20-year naval career, he embodied his motto “Lead from the front,” and exemplifies how ordinary people can do extraordinary feats.
“It means a lot to carry on the tradition of success and valor, and to show exceptional leadership in unpredictable situations,” said Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 2nd Class Andrew Godinez, who serves aboard the guided-missile destroyer.
During their visit, the Sailors met with James E. Williams’ son, Michael. Together, they shared a meal and visited Patriot’s Point Naval & Maritime Museum, in Charleston. Then, the group of Sailors visited James E. Williams monuments at the Veteran’s Park in Florence, S.C. and at the Darlington S.C. Veteran’s Memorial.
"I want to thank you for sending such a great group of Sailors to represent the USS James E. Williams (DDG 95),” said Williams in a note to the ship’s leadership. “I was impressed and proud how they handled themselves. Their actions and deeds throughout the trip to South Carolina were exemplary and above the highest standards of the United States Navy.
“They made my family proud."
The Sailors reflected on their visit, their namesake and what it meant for them to meet their namesake’s son.
“After meeting his family, his legacy means more to me,” said Fire Controlman (Aegis) 1st Class Regina Cox-Stone. “It means being courageous, and doing the right thing for your shipmates.”
“Serving on the James E. Williams is like being a part of a large family and I’ve formed relationships that will last a lifetime. James E. Williams’ legacy makes serving on the ship special; he was someone who would do anything for his crew,” said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Samantha Aleman.
USS James E. Williams was commissioned in Charleston, S.C. on Dec. 11, 2004 and is homeported in Norfolk, Va.
| Date Taken: | 10.28.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 10.28.2021 10:55 |
| Story ID: | 408211 |
| Location: | COLUMBIA, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 364 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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