During official remarks while on an official visit to Greece, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the massive United States Navy ship the USS Hershel “Woody” Williams will be permanently based in Souda Bay, in Western Crete.
The ship, according to official reports, will support exercises throughout the Mediterranean.
The United States already has a permanent naval base on the island and the presence of this massive vessel will increase the American footprint in the region.
At 784 feet long (230 meters), the ship features a 52,000 square-feet (4,830 square-meter) four-spot flight deck. Further features include a hangar, mission deck, and work and living spaces for hundreds of embarked personnel.
Additionally, for the U.S. Navy crew, there is a Blue Crew and a Gold Crew, which will turn over periodically to allow for continuity while the ship remains forward deployed.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s Remarks in Souda Bay, Crete
