A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Commander Williams graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2006, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering. CDR Williams reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in June 2006. He earned his Navy Wings of Gold in December 2008. In April 2009, CDR Williams reported to the “Gladiators” of VFA-106 for initial fleet training as an F/A-18 Pilot. CDR Williams began his operational flying in December 2009 with the “Checkmates” of VFA-211, participating in the final two deployments of the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65). While a “Checkmate,” he earned his Forward Air Controller (Airborne) (FAC(A)) qualification and flew combat missions in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation NEW DAWN. CDR Williams reported as an Instructor Pilot in VFA-106, the “Gladiators,” in June 2013, ultimately serving as Carrier Qualification Phase Head. During his instructor tour, CDR Williams also represented the U.S. Navy and Boeing in a Foreign Military Sales detachment to the Farnborough Air Show (United Kingdom) in July 2014. Following his time with the “Gladiators,” CDR Williams served as the senior Carrier Air Wing THREE (CVW-3) Landing Signals Officer (LSO), completing a deployment aboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) supporting Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. During his CAG Paddles tour, CDR Williams was selected as the Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic LSO of the Year for 2016. CDR Williams returned to the fleet as a Department Head in VFA-32, the “Fighting Swordsmen,” serving as Safety Officer, Operations Officer and Maintenance Officer. While assigned to VFA-32, CDR Williams was part of the first Fleet Air Wing to conduct flight deck operations aboard USS GERALD R. FORD (CVN 78). Following his department head tour, CDR Williams served as an action officer and exercise planning officer, U.S. European Command, J-9 Directorate in Stuttgart, Germany. While at EUCOM, he was responsible for the planning and integration of Whole of Government activities into every EUCOM command exercise. He selected for squadron command in May 2021 and reported as Executive Officer of VFA-22 “Fighting Redcocks” in December 2023. CDR Williams has accumulated over 2,300 flight hours and 532 carrier arrested landings, including 58 combat missions.

Last Updated: 15 December 2023