The guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) returned to its Naval Station Norfolk homeport Dec. 23, completing a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation.
The ship departed May 23, to support anti-submarine exercises and operations in the North and Norwegian seas, as well as maritime security operations in the Persian Gulf. The ship and crew of more than 300 Sailors, assigned to Destroyer Squadron 22, also conducted presence operations and goodwill activities with partner nations.
During the deployment, James E. Williams transited 50,779 nautical miles, made 15 port calls in 11 different countries, conducted 11 straits transits, hosted two receptions, completed seven international maritime security exercises and conducted a swim call in the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, the crew participated in eight community relations events in five different countries.
