On February 25, the officers and crew of the USNS PFC Dewayne T. Williams were honored with a visit by the Gold Star Williams family. It was their first time visiting the ship since the christening over 40 years ago at Quincy Shipbuilding. The Williams family included sisters, Diane, Penny and Lorraine, and brother, Howard. Extended family included their niece, Kristy Strickland, and nephew’s family, Brian, Jill, Carter, McKinley and Gabriella Chemin. Additional visitors included Retired Colonel Nick Straffon and Karen Straffon, who are heavily involved with getting military members recognized for their courage and sacrifice for our country. It was a day filled with joy, celebration and remembrance of the life of PFC Dewayne T. Williams. He was one of seven children and there was no shortage of childhood memories shared with the crew. His heroic action taken on September 18, 1968 was a reflection of who he was as a son, brother and friend to all who knew him. The entire crew in attendance will forever carry a bond with the Williams family.
Officers and crew of the USNS Williams include: Captain Scott Kreger, Chief Mate David O’Brien, Second Mate Jason Montoleone, Third Mate Tharen Burns, Bosun Vlad Bendus, Able Seaman Anneliza Brown, Chief Engineer Donald White, First Assistant Engineer Michael Heckmuller, Second Assistant Engineer Frank Sambula, Third Assistant Engineer Austin Soucy, Third Assistant Engineer Dustine Arbore, Electronics Officer Ricky Reidl, QMED Electrician Thomas Koncul, GUDE Darryll Williams and Storekeeper Rodolofo Campbell.
