US guided-missile destroyer makes port visit to Jeddah

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (Nov. 16, 2017) – Consul General Matthias J. Mitman, left, Saudi Arabian Navy Commander Abdullah Al Juaid, middle, and Commander Allen Siegrist, commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95), cut a cake aboard the James E. Williams during a reception for distinguished diplomatic guests in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Colbey Livingston/Released)

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (Nov. 17, 2017) - Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) handle line as the ship departs Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Colbey Livingston/Released)

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (Nov. 15, 2017) - Chief Fire Controlman James Novak, from Madison, Ohio, gives a tour of the guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) during a port visit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Colbey Livingston/Released)

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (Nov. 15, 2017) - Lt. Leighton Pleasants, from Stuart, Fla., explains control functions of an MH-60R Seahawk attached to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 46 aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) during a port visit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Colbey Livingston/Released)

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (Nov. 16, 2017) - Sailors assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) played a soccer game with Saudi Arabian players during a port visit to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Colbey Livingston/Released)

JEDDAH: The USS James E. Williams (DDG 95), a guided-missile destroyer in the US Navy, made a port visit to Jeddah on November 14-17, 2017. James E. Williams is deployed to the US Fifth Fleet area of operations to support maritime security operations and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region.
Sailors assigned to the James E. Williams played a friendly soccer match with Saudi Arabian players on November 16.
Commander Allen Siegrist, commanding officer of USS James E. Williams, welcomed guests to the ship during a reception at the Jeddah port on November 16.
Consul General Matthias J. Mitman delivered remarks to an audience of diplomats, sailors, and Saudi government officials, and thanked the sailors for their distinguished service in the US Navy. Rear Admiral Abdullah Al Juaid, Commander, Royal Saudi Naval Forces - Western Fleet, also addressed the guests highlighting US-Saudi naval cooperation.
Reception guests enjoyed a rare opportunity to tour the guided-missile destroyer.