During the visit, Hershel “Woody” Williams will onload supplies, and conduct routine ship preservation.

“This port visit is critical and will enable us to most effectively continue our operations at sea,” said Capt. Chad Graham, commanding officer of  Hershel “Woody” Williams. “We very much appreciate Djibouti’s hospitality as we accomplish this essential resupply.”

Following their port visit, Hershel “Woody” Williams will continue its scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Africa area of operations.

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.

The ESB ship class is a highly flexible platform that operates 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.

For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with our 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 U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (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.