Defense News: USS Hershel “Woody” Williams arrives in Luanda, Angola, for Port Visit

Source: United States Navy

The Hershel “Woody” Williams last visited Luanda in November 2022. During this port visit, the ESB-class ship will build on the U.S.-Angolan partnership by collaborating on maritime security and domain awareness. Meanwhile, the MARDET will work and train with Angolan partners ashore.

The USS Hershel “Woody” Williams will host a reception for senior Angolan government and military leaders. During this time, the crew will engage in community relations events alongside local partners. This experience will allow the Sailors and Civilian Mariners to immerse themselves in the rich culture, historic landmarks, and warm hospitality of this important regional partner.

“We are honored to bring the USS Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams to Luanda, Angola, in support of maritime domain awareness” said Capt. Michael Concannon, commanding officer of the Hershel “Woody” Williams Gold MILCREW. “Our crew is eager to collaborate with our Angolan partners, sharing knowledge and strengthening our mutual commitment to security and stability in the region. This visit not only enhances our operational readiness but also fosters lasting relationships built on trust and cooperation.”

Hershel “Woody” Williams will continue its deployment to the African continent, leveraging opportunities to work alongside regional Allies and partners in a variety of exercises and operations. A credible, capable naval presence increases maritime security, and highlights our shared commitment to fostering regional security and stability among partnered and allied nation naval militaries.

Hershel “Woody” Williams is forward deployed to Souda Bay, Greece, and serves as the first U.S. Navy ship assigned to the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) area of responsibility. The ship is capable of conducting expeditionary missions, counter piracy, maritime security, and humanitarian and disaster relief operations. Hershel “Woody” Williams’ unique capabilities are part of the critical access infrastructure that supports the deployment of forces and supplies to support global missions. The ship operates with blue and gold crews, allowing it to remain continually deployed throughout AFRICOM.

For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

Defense News: USS Herschel “Woody” Williams arrives in Luanda, Angola, for Port Visit

Source: United States Navy

The Hershel “Woody” Williams last visited Luanda in November 2022. During this port visit, the ESB-class ship will build on the U.S.-Angolan partnership by collaborating on maritime security and domain awareness. Meanwhile, the MARDET will work and train with Angolan partners ashore.

The USS Hershel “Woody” Williams will host a reception for senior Angolan government and military leaders. During this time, the crew will engage in community relations events alongside local partners. This experience will allow the Sailors and Civilian Mariners to immerse themselves in the rich culture, historic landmarks, and warm hospitality of this important regional partner.

“We are honored to bring the USS Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams to Luanda, Angola, in support of maritime domain awareness” said Capt. Michael Concannon, commanding officer of the Hershel “Woody” Williams Gold MILCREW. “Our crew is eager to collaborate with our Angolan partners, sharing knowledge and strengthening our mutual commitment to security and stability in the region. This visit not only enhances our operational readiness but also fosters lasting relationships built on trust and cooperation.”

Hershel “Woody” Williams will continue its deployment to the African continent, leveraging opportunities to work alongside regional Allies and partners in a variety of exercises and operations. A credible, capable naval presence increases maritime security, and highlights our shared commitment to fostering regional security and stability among partnered and allied nation naval militaries.

Hershel “Woody” Williams is forward deployed to Souda Bay, Greece, and serves as the first U.S. Navy ship assigned to the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) area of responsibility. The ship is capable of conducting expeditionary missions, counter piracy, maritime security, and humanitarian and disaster relief operations. Hershel “Woody” Williams’ unique capabilities are part of the critical access infrastructure that supports the deployment of forces and supplies to support global missions. The ship operates with blue and gold crews, allowing it to remain continually deployed throughout AFRICOM.

For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

Defense News: FRCE Helps Local Educators Prepare Students for Careers in Industry

Source: United States Navy

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. — Four Craven County, North Carolina, teachers recently participated in a five-day externship program at Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE), which allowed the teachers to immerse themselves in the command’s operations by touring the depot and gaining in-depth insight from individuals working in a wide range of career fields. The teachers will use the information gleaned from the program to create curriculum that improves student preparation for careers in industry.

Defense News: Navy Reminds Potential Claimants of the CLJA Filing Deadline

Source: United States Navy

On August 10, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022. Section 804 of this law is the CLJA, which allows people — including Veterans — who believe they were previously exposed to contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, to file a new claim with the Department of the Navy. The CLJA states that claims under the CLJA must be filed no later than August 10, 2024, which is two years after the CLJA was enacted.

Individuals seeking to file a CLJA claim with the Department of the Navy may do so in any one of the following ways:

1. Visit the Claims Management Portal at: https://clclaims.jag.navy.mil/ and follow the instructions to file a new CLJA claim.

2. If claimants are unable to file their CLJA claim by accessing the portal, claimants may download a claim form at https://www.navy.mil/Portals/1/clja/CLJA_Claims_Form4.pdf, complete and sign the form, and then either email or mail the form as detailed below.

a. Claimants may email their completed, signed claim form to clclaims@us.navy.mil by 11:59 pm (UTC-12/Anywhere on Earth) on August 10, 2024.

b. Claimants may mail their completed, signed claim form to the address on the form. Mailed claim forms must be postmarked no later than August 10, 2024.

Please note the Department of the Navy will never request a claimant’s personal information by email or over the telephone. Please also note there is no fee to access the portal or to file a CLJA claim and individuals can file a claim without an attorney. The Department of the Navy cannot provide legal advice, including whether you should retain an attorney to assist in filing a claim.

For more information regarding CLJA claim eligibility and answers to other frequently asked questions, please visit the Department of the Navy’s official CLJA website at www.navy.mil/clja or contact the Camp Lejeune Claims Unit at CLClaims@us.navy.mil or (757) 241-6020.

Long Island Construction Company Sentenced for Worker Safety Violation Causing Death of Employee

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Northridge Construction Corporation was sentenced today in federal court for violating a worker safety standard, which caused the death of one of its employees, and for making two false statements obstructing a federal agency’s subsequent investigation.

U.S. District Court Judge Joan M. Azrack for the Eastern District of New York sentenced Northridge to pay a fine of $100,000 and serve a five-year term of probation, which will require, among other conditions, increased safety training for Northridge employees. The company pleaded guilty in January.

According to court records, in December 2018, during the construction of a shed on Northridge’s property in East Patchogue, New York, one of its employees fell from an improperly secured roof and died. Among other worker safety standards, Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations require always maintaining the stability of a metal structure during construction. An investigation revealed that Northridge failed to adhere to the structural stability standard, and that Northridge employees made false statements to obstruct the ensuing federal inquiry into the death. Northridge supervisor Richard Zagger pleaded guilty in July to related charges and is scheduled for sentencing on Oct. 16.

Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) made the announcement.

The Department of Labor’s Office of the Inspector General investigated the case.

Senior Trial Attorneys Daniel Dooher and Richard J. Powers and Trial Attorney Rachel Roberts of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section are prosecuting the case.