DEC 20

Norfolk native completes six-month African deployment aboard U.S. Navy warship

By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, Tenn. – A Norfolk, Virginia, native completed a six-month deployment serving aboard USS Hershel “Woody” Williams. This expeditionary sea base ship recently completed a circumnavigation deployment of Africa, which is a part of the U.S. Sixth Fleet.

Petty Officer 1st Class Abdou Lalene earned a master’s degree in public health at National University and joined the Navy over one year ago.

“I am originally from Kpeme, Togo,” said Lalene. “It is a small village about 15 miles from the capital. I have always wanted to be in the military, even back home. I remember trying to join the military in Togo and I was turned away because I wasn’t tall enough. When I had the chance to join the U.S. Navy, I took it immediately because joining the military was what I always wanted. I have been in for ten years now, and I don’t regret any part of it.”

According to Lalene, the values required to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Norfolk.

“Diversity is our greatest strength,” said Lalene. “Norfolk is home to the largest naval base in the world, and the largest number of sailors. Learning how sailors from different backgrounds come together to make a team where everyone brings something different to the table.”

During the circumnavigation deployment of Africa, Hershel “Woody” Williams made 11 port visits and worked with African partners through exchanges, exercises and hosted Women, Peace, and Security events.

“HM1 Lalene is a major asset to our crew,” said Capt. Chad Graham, commanding officer, USS Hershel “Woody” Williams. “He performs admirably within the scope of his duties, whether that be seeing sailors at sick call or conducting COVID tests, but his dedication to the crew’s wellbeing extends beyond that, in his role as the command fitness leader and as president of the multicultural society.”

Homeported in Souda Bay, Greece, Hershel “Woody” Williams is named in honor of Chief Warrant Officer Hershel “Woody” Williams, a Marine who earned the Medal of Honor in the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Hershel “Woody” Williams is the first warship permanently assigned to the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. 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.

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

“This is the first ship permanently assigned to U.S. Africa Command, so it means a lot for me to be onboard,” said Lalene. “I was able to show some of the things that the countries we visited have in common with my native land. It was exciting to see my shipmates get a better picture of my background.”

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Lalene, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

“My favorite experience on this deployment so far was our soccer match with Namibia,” added Lalene. “Even though we lost miserably, everyone had fun.”

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