USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) at Palumbo Shipyard Malta. Photo: Ashleigh Whitney/US Navy

US Navy Completes First Major Maintenance on USS Hershel “Woody” Williams in Malta

The US Navy recently finished the initial significant maintenance on the USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4), a Puller-class expeditionary sea base vessel, while it was in Malta.

This regular overhaul (ROH) is a scheduled, depot-level refitting effort aimed at maintaining the ship’s mission capability and technical capacity throughout its service life. Some ROHs are conducted in partnership with the host nation where the vessel is stationed.

For the USS Williams, Palumbo Shipyards Malta provided the maintenance workforce and a docking site capable of accommodating the 71,000-ton ship. The repairs were carried out in accordance with the standards set by the American Bureau of Shipping, ensuring that the vessel could support a hybrid crew comprising military personnel and civil service mariners.

Capt. Brian Karosich, the US Navy Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Commander, praised the project team and industry partner for efficiently executing maintenance on critical areas of the USS Hershel Woody Williams during its first ROH in the European theater. The ship’s ongoing deployment emphasizes the importance of keeping essential areas, such as its expansive flight deck and mission deck, safe and fully functional for its diverse operations throughout Africa.

The USS Hershel Woody Williams is regarded as critical access infrastructure that supports international force and supply deployments. It boasts a 52,000 square-foot flight deck and a 25,000 square-foot mission deck. Currently stationed at Souda Bay in Greece, it is the first vessel assigned to the US Naval Africa Command area of responsibility.

In addition to its expeditionary missions, the USS Hershel Woody Williams is actively involved in maritime security, counter-piracy, and humanitarian tasks.