Naval Station Norfolk
On 20 April 2009, "James E. Williams" left on her 3rd deployment in 3 years, deploying to the sixth and fifth Fleet areas of operations from Naval Station Norfolk as the lead element of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group. "James E. Williams" conducted maritime security operations in the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf regions, including working with other nations' maritime forces. She returned to her homeport at Naval Station Norfolk on 19 October 2009.