USS James E. Williams Departs Civitavecchia, Italy

By Lt. Eric Daigrepont, USS James E. Williams Public Affairs

CIVITAVECCHIA, Italy (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-Class guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) departed Civitavecchia, Italy, following a successful port visit, Dec. 28.

James E. Williams was moored for several days in Italy, giving the crew an opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine and culture in Civitavecchia and Rome.

"The crew has served a long and challenging mission abroad," said Cmdr. Heidi Haskins, commanding officer, USS James E. Williams. "It was a pleasure to be able to afford them the holiday in port to relax together as a Navy family."

Much of the crew sought out and toured notable sites in Rome such as experiencing genuine Italian food with shipmates and friends. Sailors also attended Christmas Mass at St. Peter's Square, while others seized the opportunity to finish shopping for loved ones back home.

James E. Williams, home-ported in Norfolk, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Africa.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.