Why America Has Added More Troops And Artillery On Its Docked Warship At Mombasa

Last week, a gigantic US naval ship docked at the Kenyan coast after sailing through the Indian Ocean. News of its presence in Kenya went viral with many wondering what the US naval ship was doing in Kenya.

As it turns out, the ship dubbed the Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) that arrived in Mombasa, Kenya on February 8, 2021 is not only on a mere port visit but ready themselves for several missions, according to its commander.

Williams is the first U.S. naval ship to enter the port of Mombasa in over a decade.

“Kenya is a close U.S. strategic partner in Africa,” said Capt. Michael Concannon, commanding officer, USS Hershel “Woody” Williams on Sunday before adding;

“Our visit to Mombasa confirms our resolve and commitment to the preservation of security and stability in Kenya and Africa. We are to add more troops and artillery in the next few days”.

Now anonymous sources say the more artillery and troop have already camped on the gigantic water vessel.

The crew includes both civilian mariners and sailors aboard the ship and is the second in the Lewis B. Puller-class of expeditionary sea base vessels.

Woody Williams Blue Crew Commanding Officer Capt. David Gray said earlier as the ship left Naples in Italy for Mombasa that the crew was prepared to participate in a wide range of missions, including non-combatant evacuations and anti-piracy operations.

The ship has the capacity for four helicopters on its flight deck, can launch unmanned assets, and includes command and control systems.

While the Navy has a more limited presence in AFRICOM compared to the other combatant commands, Gray said ahead of the deployment that Woody Williams’ presence in the region can help other naval assets like amphibious ships or destroyers focus on higher-end operations.

“We’ve already got a great mission set setup, where we’re going, what we’re going to do and who we’re going to work with. And I tell you, it’s going to be very exciting,” Gray was quoted as saying by the the US Naval Institute (USNI).

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Enock Mugabi aka iWitness is a Journalist, Seasoned Writer and Music Analyst with a passion for sports.
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