The USS Hershel Woody Williams is the very first ship to claim the title of Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer Four Hershel Woodrow Williams, the last living recipient of the Medal of Honor awarded for heroism during World War II at the Battle of Iwo Jima.

The principal statement of the commissioning ceremony was delivered by US Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia.

A time-honored Navy tradition illuminated the ceremony when Tracie Jean Ross and Travie Jane Ross, Hershel Woody Williams ' ship sponsors and daughters, gave first order to "man our ship and bring it to life!

Hershel Woody Williams is the Navy's second ESB after USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB-3) and is the fourth Montford Point-class vessel also containing two MSC-operated Expeditionary Transfer Docks, USNS Montford Point (T-ESD-1) and USNS John Glenn (T-ESD-2).

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