US ship arrives Nigeria for security training
Officers assigned to the Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) participated in a maritime interoperability planning event with leaders from the Nigerian Navy on Saturday.
A statement from the US Consulate said Hershel “Woody” Williams is scheduled to participate in a three-day at sea training with Nigerian offshore patrol vessels and members of Ghana’s Special Boat Squadron.
USS Hershel “Woody” Williams is the first warship permanently assigned to the US Africa Command area of responsibility.
The US shares a common interest with African partner nations in ensuring security, safety, freedom of navigation on the waters surrounding the continent, because the waters are critical for Africa’s prosperity and access to global markets.
Over the last decade, Gulf of Guinea nations have steadily increased their capability of working together and sharing information.
Capt. Chad Graham, Hershel “Woody” Williams, commanding officer also met with the chief of operations for the Nigerian Navy Western Naval Command, Commodre Daupreye Matthew to discuss their shared commitment to a peaceful, well-policed Gulf of Guinea.
“We’re happy to be working with our Nigerian partners to plan our at-sea multinational engagements and we are looking forward to a successful event that demonstrates our commitment to maritime security in the region”.
While visiting Lagos, sailors assigned to Hershel “Woody” Williams will also help paint Lagos State Model Nursery and Primary School Achakpo Ajegunle, as well as play sports with members of the Nigerian Navy.
Nigeria maintains the largest Navy in the Gulf of Guinea region and is critical to security and stability in Africa.
The statement added that over 70 years, the US Sixth Fleet forces had forged strategic relationship with its allies and partners and solidified a foundation of shared values, experiences and vision aimed at preserving security and stability.
