USS Hershel “Woody” Williams Arrives in Angola

The Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) arrived in Luanda, Angola for a regularly scheduled port visit, Sept. 7, 2021.

During the visit, Hershel “Woody” Williams will participate in a Women, Peace, and Security conference with Angolan government and military leaders to discuss opportunities for women leaders through peacekeeping capability building activities and exercises.

“We are proud to attend this Women, Peace, and Security conference in Luanda and represent the Navy’s support of women playing an active role in the global security sector,” said Cmdr. Ernique Sesler, executive officer, USS Hershel “Woody” Williams. “It takes continued discussion and dedication by military personnel to foster these opportunities.”

Sesler will also be leading the Hershel “Woody” Williams’ participation in the conference.

The conference supports a larger mission led by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) to facilitate meaningful participation of women within the security sector.

Sailors assigned to Hershel “Woody” Williams will also continue building partnerships through a community relations activity at a local beach.

“Having tangible experiences that make a real impact on the places we visit allows Sailors to build personal connections with local communities, connections that extend further than they know,” said Capt. Chad Graham, commanding officer, USS Hershel “Woody” Williams.

 USS Hershel “Woody” Williams is the first warship permanently assigned to the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. The U.S. shares a common interest with African partner nations in ensuring security, safety, and freedom of navigation on the waters surrounding the continent, because these waters are critical for Africa’s prosperity and access to global markets.

For over 70 years, U.S. Sixth Fleet forces have forged strategic relationships with our allies and partners and solidified a foundation of shared values, experiences, and vision aimed at preserving security and stability.

The ESB ship class is a highly flexible platform that may be used across a broad range of military operations. Acting as a mobile sea base, they are part of the critical access infrastructure that supports the deployment of forces and supplies to support missions assigned.

U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.