The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) departed Naval Station Norfolk, May 23, for a regularly-scheduled deployment to conduct maritime operations in the Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation.

"Sailors have worked hard to prepare for this deployment," said Cmdr. Allen Siegrist, James E. Williams' commanding officer. "We are looking forward to answering the country's call and accomplishing the mission."

The ship was commissioned Dec. 11, 2004, and is named after Boatswains Mate First Class Petty Officer James E. Williams. Williams was the most highly decorated enlisted man in the history of the U.S. Navy. In 1966 he was Boat Captain for River Patrol Boat (PBR) 105 during the Vietnam War and was tasked with intercepting Viet Cong arms shipments on the waterways of South Vietnam's Mekong Delta. After being attacked by Viet Cong guerillas during a three-hour battle, the American Naval Force killed numerous enemies, destroyed over fifty vessels, and disrupted a major enemy logistic operation. Williams not only displayed courage under fire, but a keen understanding of how his Sailors, weapons, and equipment could be used to achieve victory.

For more information on USS James E. Williams please visit the ship's Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DDG95/

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