October 21, 2017

Manchin Attends Woody Williams Ship Christening

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) attended the ship christening of USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams (T-ESB4) in San Diego, California with Medal of Honor recipient and renowned West Virginian, Hershel “Woody” Williams. This christening came just 2 years after the announcement the Navy would name a ship after Woody.

 “Watching the USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams christening by Woody’s side was one of my proudest moments,” Senator Manchin said. “This ship christening is a long time coming, and a physical representation of the life and legacy of a renowned West Virginian and Medal of Honor recipient. This day would not have been possible without Ron Wroblewski and Woody’s fellow Marines and friends who advocated for years and I was proud to play a part in getting this done. I was honored to help a fellow Marion County boy receive the recognition he deserves. This day is a result of Woody’s lifelong dedication to public service, his brave actions in the field, and his commitment to West Virginia.”

After the Christening, Senator Manchin toured the USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams T-ESB4 and met with officials from both the Navy and the Coast Guard to discuss border security, the Pacific fleet’s current warfighting capabilities, and other national and homeland security issues.

The decision to name the USNS Hershel Woody Williams after Woody came after Senator Manchin sent a letter to U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus recommending that a Navy ship be named after Woody Williams for his outstanding sacrifice and dedication to the nation. To read Senator Manchin’s letter to U.S. Navy Secretary Mabus, click here.

At the ship christening, Senator Manchin presented Woody Williams and his family with a Congressional Record Statement commemorating the christening of the USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams. Click here to read the Congressional Record Statement.

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