The Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4), a US naval ship has arrived at the port of Mombasa in an effort to boost maritime security along the East African Coast.
The naval ship was deployed by the US government. It breaks record to become the first of its kind to dock in East Africa in the last 10 years.
The naval ship arrived on Monday as part of a fulfillment on 2021 African coast deployment.
“Our visit to Mombasa confirms our resolve and commitment to the preservation of security and stability in Kenya and Africa. Kenya is a close US strategic partner in Africa,” said Captain Michael Concannon, the commanding officer according to Daily Nation.
Kenyan Navy will work close with the US Navy crew on creating strategies for boosting security in this part of the coast stretching to the Horn of Africa.
After the arrival of the ship, Eric Kneedler, the chargé d’affaires ad interim at the US Embassy in Nairobi said that “The visit is a mark of the deep, enduring relationship between the United States and Kenya. We are grateful for our close military co-operation.”
This ship was designed to offer security support in the African continent. It will also lead training for involved security apparatus.
Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) is registered in Souda Bay, Greece.
It has been used by the US Africa Command (Africom) in the Mediterranean and the waters around East, South, and West Africa, for security missions.
The vessel’s crew swap from time to time based on their area of operation.