USS James E. Williams, Tunisian Navy Conduct Underway Engagement

June 17, 2014

The guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) participated in a bilateral underway engagement with the Tunisian Navy’s Patrol Ship 501 La Galite and an Archangel-class patrol boat, June 14.

The engagement provided an opportunity to enhance U.S.-Tunisian interoperability and strengthen Tunisian capabilities for maritime security in its waters.

“It was great to work with La Galite and the Tunisian Navy,” said Cmdr. Curtis Calloway, commanding officer of James E. Williams. “Engagements like these sharpen our maritime forces’ skills so we can ensure the safety and security of the Mediterranean Sea.”

James E. Williams and La Galite’s boarding teams boarded each other’s vessels, exercising skills needed for a maritime interdiction operation to counter illicit trafficking. Following the boarding exercises, the ships conducted a series of maneuvers against small boat attacks, while practicing tactical communications on open circuits.

James E. Williams, home ported in Norfolk, Virginia, is on a scheduled deployment supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.

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Press Release, June 17, 2014; Image: US Navy