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USS Hershel “Woody” Williams visit in Liberia highlights shared vision for regional security

The Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) arrived in Monrovia, Liberia, for a scheduled port visit on July 28. The visit also kicks off the U.S. Embassy in Liberia’s year-long observance of the 175th year of the Republic of Liberia.

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Photo by: U.S. Embassy in Liberia 

The Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) arrived in Monrovia, Liberia, for a scheduled port visit July 28. The visit also kicks off the U.S. Embassy in Liberia’s year-long observance of the 175th year of the Republic of Liberia.

“I’d like to thank our Liberian partners for hosting this visit,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Chad Graham, commanding officer, blue crew. “This is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen an already durable relationship.”

During the visit U.S. military members were to join their Armed Forces of Liberia counterparts for a Women, Peace, and Security workshop to highlight the essential role female service members play in national security.

“The United States and Liberia have a shared history, and a shared desire to keep this region and its waters safe,” said Graham. “Working with our partners on their home turf allows us to build a better understanding of how best to cooperate in the future.”

USS Hershel “Woody” Williams – named in honor of Hershel W. “Woody” Williams, who received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima during WWII – is the first warship permanently assigned to the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility.

Liberia participated in exercise Obangame Express in March 2021, a multinational maritime exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command. These exercises strengthen partnerships and allow countries to work more closely on shared transnational maritime challenges.