NORFOLK, Va. (April 10, 2025) - The Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary mobile base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) returns to Naval Station Norfolk, April 10, 2025. Hershel “Woody” Williams was forward-deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. 6th Fleet to defend U.S., Allied, and partner interests. (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Derek Cole)Additional Info: The USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB-4) is a Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base (ESB) commissioned by the U.S. Navy on March 7, 2020, in Norfolk, Virginia. Named after Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams, a Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipient for his heroic actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II, the ship is designed to support a variety of maritime missions. Built by General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego for approximately $498 million, the 784-foot vessel features a large flight deck capable of handling MH-53E helicopters and MV-22 Osprey aircraft, along with berthing, workspaces, and storage for personnel and supplies. It operates with a hybrid crew of 44 Military Sealift Command civilian mariners and 85 Navy sailors, utilizing blue and gold crews to maintain continuous deployment. The ship is optimized for expeditionary missions, including counter-piracy, maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and special operations, with capabilities like aviation facilities and command-and-control assets.