On Saturday, October 21, General Dynamics NASSCO hosted a christening and naming ceremony for the Navy’s newest Expeditionary Sea Base, the USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4).
The ship’s namesake, Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams, spoke at the ceremony, and his two daughters, Travie Ross and Tracie Ross, officially named and christened the ship with the traditional break of a champagne bottle alongside the ship.
(A miracle that could only happen one time in a life to a humble little farm boy from West Virginia. Join the ship’s namesake, CWO4 Hershel “Woody” Williams, USMC (Ret.), as he recounts the journey that made this miracle possible and witness the efforts of the hardworking men and women of General Dynamics NASSCO that helped bring the USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams to life. Courtesy of General Dynamics NASSCO and YouTube)
Williams, a retired U. S. Marine, received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II.
He is the last surviving recipient of the Medal of Honor from that battle.
(Learn More, courtesy of The National WWII Museum Oral History and YouTube)
Several dignitaries provided remarks at the event, including Sen. Joe Manchin; Major General Eric M. Smith, Commanding General, 1st Marine Division, U.S. Marine Corps; Rear Admiral William J. Galinis, Program Executive Officer, Ships, U.S. Navy; and Vice Admiral Dixon R. Smith, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Fleet Readiness and Logistics, U.S. Navy.
“Every day we as shipbuilders and repairers come together to be a part of something much larger than ourselves,” remarked NASSCO President Kevin Graney.
“The ships we design, construct and maintain serve a mission that is vital to our nation and the defense of freedom.”
“Like every Marine, this ship is adaptable. Like its namesake, this ship is a force multiplier.”
“We could not be more honored and more proud to design, build and soon deliver the USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams.”
USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams is the Navy’s second ESB ship.
The 784-foot-long ship will serve as a flexible platform to support a variety of missions, including air mine countermeasures, counter-piracy operations, maritime security and humanitarian missions.
The ship will provide for accommodations for up to 250 personnel, a 52,000-square-foot flight deck, fuel and equipment storage, and will also support MH-53 and MH-60 helicopters with an option to support MV-22 tilt-rotor aircraft.
(Retired Marine talks about growing up in rural West Virginia, fighting in Iwo Jima and receiving the Medal of Honor. Courtesy of the American Legion HQ and YouTube)
Currently nearing the end of construction, the ship will be delivered to the U.S. Navy in February 2018.
General Dynamics NASSCO has delivered three ships in the class to the Navy: USNS Montford Point (ESD 1), USNS John Glenn (ESD 2) and USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3).
USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) is the fourth ship to be constructed by NASSCO shipbuilders under the program.
A fifth ship is currently under construction, with a planned delivery of March 2019, and funding for a sixth ship has passed several Congressional committees.
NASSCO’s facility in San Diego is the only full-service shipyard on the West Coast capable of designing, building, and maintaining large, ocean-going ships.
The company maintains a bi-coastal ship maintenance and repair operation with locations in San Diego; Mayport, Florida; Norfolk, Virginia; and Bremerton, Washington.
Editor’s note: Congratulations Sir for this honor! We cannot think of anyone more deserving and are so very happy for you. May your namesake ship see Fair Winds and Following Seas. God Bless you and all who serve aboard her. Semper fidelis
