NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. —– A destroyer once crippled by an out-of-control goat locker and a weak command triad (fired in the wake of a shipboard suicide) completed its mission and returned home Saturday.
There was no denying this was a tough float for the crew of James E. Williams. Many sailors and chiefs said they were glad to put this one behind them — and that's exactly what they did as they rushed into arms of loved ones. The only bitterness at this homecoming was the single-digit temperatures that held the pier in its icy grip.
"We certainly had some challenges, but we came through strong," said Fire Controlman Second Class (SW) Creighton Depriest. "It's just good to be home."
The ship set sail May 30 on an eight-month independent mission off the Horn of Africa. Boatswain's mate Seaman Yeshabel Villot-Carrasco, 23, committed suicide less than one month later. The subsequent investigation found her immediate supervisors had retaliated against her, and the ship's former skipper, Cmdr. Curtis Calloway; former executive officer, Cmdr. Ed Handley; and Command Master Chief Travis Biswell were responsible for a toxic command climate that contributed to the tragedy. All three were disciplined at captain's mast, and Biswell was referred for alcohol treatment.
The ship's problems were not isolated to the suicide. Multiple chiefs are also accused of sexually assaulting a junior sailor in a hotel in Seychelles who was too intoxicated to consent.
Cmdr. Heidi Haskins, commanding officer of James E. Williams
Photo Credit: Lance M. Bacon/Staff
Cmdr. Heidi Haskins was brought in to even the keel, steady the crew and complete the mission. She would not directly address the steps taken to right the ship and rebuild trust with the crew and leadership, but said transparency at all levels and a daily effort to strengthen communication throughout the chain of command made the difference.
"We focused a lot on our people," she said. "So far, [it has been] very successful. Our ability to communicate, complete our tasking, and take care of our people is all right on track."
The crew spent more than 200 days at sea providing maritime security and building international relations. During that time, 113 earned enlisted surface warfare specialist qualification and nine were pinned as surface warfare officers. In addition, 71 sailors advanced in rate and 21 reenlisted.
Staff writer David Larter contributed to this report.
