US Navy deploys ship to Mombasa Port for first time in ten years

The Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams has arrived in Mombasa as part of the US’s 2021 Africa coast deployment, reports Dryad Global. She is the first US navy vessel to enter the port in over a decade and US Chargé d’Affaires ad Interim to Kenya, Eric Kneedler, said the arrival of the ship demonstrates the close ties between the two countries.

Captain Michael Concannon, commanding officer, USS Hershel “Woody” Williams, said: “Kenya is a close U.S. strategic partner in Africa. Our visit to Mombasa confirms our resolve and commitment to the preservation of security and stability in Kenya and Africa.”

The 784′ ship consists of 52,000 square-foot flight deck and can host up to 250 personnel. Its high tech surveillance systems can be used to facilitate maritime operations such as counter-piracy, disaster relief, and crisis response operations.

The port visit will provide liaison opportunities between Kenyan official and the US Navy and visitors will be able to tour the ship and learn about its maritime security capabilities. The US navy said the tours will be limited to open areas because of the ship’s Coronavirus restrictions.

A Navy spokesman said: “Williams is currently deployed to the eastern coast of Africa to demonstrate their growth in strategic partnerships and US commitment to African countries through interoperability training, maritime security, and safety to allow for freedom of navigation in the region. The ship’s rotational crew swap allows unlimited operations in the Africa area of responsibility.”