USS Herschel “Woody” Williams Docks in Luanda, Angola for Significant Port Visit

The USS Hershel “Woody” Williams has docked in Luanda, Angola, marking a significant visit since its last in November 2022. The ESB-class vessel aims to strengthen U.S.-Angola maritime security and domain awareness through collaborative efforts. Onshore, the Marine Detachment (MARDET) will train with Angolan counterparts, enhancing operational readiness.

In addition to bilateral maritime activities, the USS Hershel “Woody” Williams will host a reception for senior Angolan government and military officials. Sailors and Civilian Mariners will participate in local community engagement initiatives. This visit provides an opportunity for cultural exchange and relationship building with an important regional partner.

“We are honored to bring the USS Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams to Luanda, Angola, in support of maritime domain awareness,” stated Capt. Michael Concannon, the commanding officer of the Hershel “Woody” Williams Gold MILCREW. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with Angolan partners to enhance security and stability in the region. This visit is crucial for both operational readiness and generating lasting partnerships.

The ship will continue its deployment across Africa, participating in diverse exercises and operations with regional Allies. A robust naval presence promotes enhanced maritime security and embodies the collective commitment to regional stability among allied naval forces.

Forward deployed to Souda Bay, Greece, the Hershel “Woody” Williams is the first U.S. Navy ship assigned to the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) area. Its multifaceted role includes expeditionary missions, counter-piracy, maritime security, and humanitarian aid. The vessel’s unique capabilities are vital for supporting global missions, enabled by its rotating blue and gold crews for ongoing deployment.

For over eight decades, the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has cultivated strategic alliances grounded in shared values to promote regional security. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates within the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) domains. The U.S. Sixth Fleet, integral to NAVEUR-NAVAF, conducts diverse maritime operations.