ROC Congolese government, military and community leaders join HWW port visit

The USS Hershel “Woody” Williams arrived in Pointe Noire, Republic of the Congo, for a scheduled port visit, Sept. 12, 2022.


“Given the Republic of Congo’s location and its important role in maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, the security partnership between the United States and the Republic of Congo continues to grow and holds many opportunities and possibilities to advance our shared interests in the region.” - Amb. Eugene Young
By U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa Public Affairs U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa Public Affairs POINTE NOIRE, Republic of the Congo Sep 14, 2022
View Gallery
fallback
Gallery contains 1 image

The port visit marks the first U.S. ship visit to the Republic of the Congo in more than a decade and demonstrates the strengthening security relationship between the two countries. While in Pointe Noire, the ship's crew hosted ship tours and a reception for government, military and community leaders and participated in a soccer game with local youth.

“We are grateful to the Republic of Congo for allowing us this port visit – it’s a great honor to be the first U.S. ship to visit after such a hiatus," said Capt. Chad Graham, commanding officer of Hershel “Woody” Williams. "I look forward to strengthening the already great relations we have between the U.S. and Congo, and that we continue to support one another as we pursue safety and security in the region."

The Republic of Congo is an important partner of the U.S. in promoting peace and security in Africa. Additionally, the Republic of Congo participated in exercise Obangame Express 2022, the largest annual maritime security exercise in Western Africa. These types of exercises strengthen partnerships and allow our countries to work closely on shared transnational maritime goals.

“Given the Republic of Congo’s location and its important role in maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, the security partnership between the United States and the Republic of Congo continues to grow and holds many opportunities and possibilities to advance our shared interests in the region,” said Eugene Young, U.S. Ambassador to Republic of the Congo. “The visit of USS Hershel “Woody” Williams demonstrates our commitment to further strengthen that partnership.”   

U.S. Naval Forces Africa’s ongoing maritime security cooperation with African partners focuses on maritime safety and security through increased maritime awareness, response capabilities, and infrastructure. It also includes various exercises and operations conducted by U.S., European, and African partners and allies throughout the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility.

“We are delighted and honored by the government of the Republic of Congo and the Congolese Armed Forces' willingness to host such an important ship visit in the region, and we hope to continue similar official visits in the future,” said Lt. Col. Joshua Thyer, defense official at U.S. Embassy Brazzaville.

The U.S. shares a common interest with African partner nations in ensuring security, safety, and freedom of navigation on the waters surrounding the continent, because these waters are critical for Africa’s prosperity and access to global markets.

More in Partnerships
AFRICOM, Kenya, Kickoff 2025 African Chief of Defense Conference
The United States and Kenya co-hosts the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) in Nairobi May 28-29, 2025, bringing together senior military leaders from approximately 37 African nations to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and address shared security challenges across the continent.
Read more
Winning the Peace through Religious Collaboration
U.S. chaplain delegation led by U.S. Africa Command Chaplain Colonel Karen Meeker conducted collaborative meetings to bring stability through faith and new avenues of collaboration in support of the warfighter while in Cairo, Egypt, March 17, 2025.
Read more
General Langley Engages with Leaders in Côte d’Ivoire
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command, traveled to Côte d’Ivoire, April 24-25, to meet with Ivorian leaders and deliver remarks at the opening ceremony of Flintlock 25, the command's annual combined special operations exercise.
Read more
More in Partnerships
AFRICOM, Kenya, Kickoff 2025 African Chief of Defense Conference
The United States and Kenya co-hosts the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) in Nairobi May 28-29, 2025, bringing together senior military leaders from approximately 37 African nations to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and address shared security challenges across the continent.
Read more
Winning the Peace through Religious Collaboration
U.S. chaplain delegation led by U.S. Africa Command Chaplain Colonel Karen Meeker conducted collaborative meetings to bring stability through faith and new avenues of collaboration in support of the warfighter while in Cairo, Egypt, March 17, 2025.
Read more
General Langley Engages with Leaders in Côte d’Ivoire
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command, traveled to Côte d’Ivoire, April 24-25, to meet with Ivorian leaders and deliver remarks at the opening ceremony of Flintlock 25, the command's annual combined special operations exercise.
Read more
More in Partnerships
AFRICOM, Kenya, Kickoff 2025 African Chief of Defense Conference
The United States and Kenya co-hosts the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) in Nairobi May 28-29, 2025, bringing together senior military leaders from approximately 37 African nations to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and address shared security challenges across the continent.
Read more
Winning the Peace through Religious Collaboration
U.S. chaplain delegation led by U.S. Africa Command Chaplain Colonel Karen Meeker conducted collaborative meetings to bring stability through faith and new avenues of collaboration in support of the warfighter while in Cairo, Egypt, March 17, 2025.
Read more
General Langley Engages with Leaders in Côte d’Ivoire
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command, traveled to Côte d’Ivoire, April 24-25, to meet with Ivorian leaders and deliver remarks at the opening ceremony of Flintlock 25, the command's annual combined special operations exercise.
Read more