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All AC-130W aircraft are modified with a precision strike package to perform the gunship mission. The aircraft is a highly modified C-130H featuring improved navigation, threat detection, countermeasures, and communication suites. The Hershel “Woody” Williams provides the US a forward deployed presence in Africa as well as increased naval power through Navy and Marine Corps integrated operations, including Marine aviation and support to amphibious operations.Īir support included the AC-130W Stinger II aircraft, designed for close air support and air interdiction. Hershel “Woody” Williams began its inaugural deployment in July and has been operating in the US Sixth Fleet area of responsibility as part of the US Africa command mission. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, a naval integration force of nearly 5 000 Sailors and Marines, project expeditionary striking power in the maritime, littoral, and inland environment by conducting amphibious operations. The Makin Island ARG, commanded by Amphibious Squadron Three, is comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and amphibious transport dock ships USS San Diego (LPD 22) and USS Somerset (LPD 25). Other US military assets moved into the region to support the operation, including the Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams and the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. We also remain capable of striking Al-Shabaab at the time and place of our choosing-they should not test us.” We remain committed to helping our African partners build a more secure future. On 19 December, US Army General Stephen Townsend, US Africa Command commander, stated, “To be clear, the US is not withdrawing or disengaging from East Africa. “The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group brings incredible capability and allows us to maintain pressure against regional threats throughout Operation Octave Quartz,” said US Air Force Major General Dagvin Anderson, JTF-Q commander. The mission of OOQ is to relocate US Department of Defence forces in Somalia to other East Africa operating locations while maintaining pressure on violent extremists and supporting partner forces, the US military said. JTF-Q is responsible for the repositioning of US forces within East Africa through Operation Octave Quartz.