On
Tuesday, August 2, General Dynamics NASSCO hosted a keel laying ceremony
for the future USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams, the U.S. Navy’s
second Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) currently under construction at
the company’s San Diego shipyard.
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Colonel Robert Modrzejewski, USMC (Ret), Medal of Honor Recipient; CWO-04
Hershel "Woody" Williams, USMC (Ret), Medal of Honor Recipient;
and Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward Byers, Jr.,
Medal of Honor Recipient (Photo Nassco)
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The
ship’s namesake, Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams,
spoke at the ceremony, and his two daughters, Travie Ross and Tracie
Ross, welded their initials onto the keel of the ship. 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.
Many dignitaries and fellow Medal of Honor recipients attended the ceremony,
including retired Marine Corps Colonel Robert Modrzejewski, a Medal
of Honor recipient recognized for his conspicuous gallantry during the
Vietnam War; Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward Byers,
Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient recognized for his efforts during a
hostage rescue in Afghanistan; and Brigadier General William M. Jurney,
Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego.
“The story of Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams is remarkable.
It’s a story of valiant devotion, extraordinary courage and American
heroism,” said Kevin Graney, vice president and general manager
for General Dynamics NASSCO. “We have the distinct honor of constructing
a ship that will reflect the strength and fearlessness of its namesake
and will provide global, advanced capabilities for future generations
of Marines and sailors to come.”
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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. The ship is expected to be completed in the first
quarter of 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 USNS
Lewis B. Puller (ESB 1). USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams is
the fourth ship to be constructed by NASSCO shipbuilders under the program
and a fifth ship is currently under contract for advanced procurement.
NASSCO maintains a bi-coastal ship maintenance and repair operation
with locations in San Diego; Mayport, Florida; Norfolk, Virginia; and
Bremerton, Washington. |
