Commander William Gray is a native of Long Beach, CA, and a graduate of the California State University of Long Beach, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He was commissioned through the Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida in January of 2003 and designated an Aerospace Maintenance Duty Officer in May of 2003.
 
Commander Gray’s operational tours include Strike Fighter Squadron ONE FIVE ONE in Lemoore, CA. CDR Gray deployed onboard the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, in support of Operation UNIFIED ASSISTANCE, the humanitarian effort in response to the tsunami that struck Southeast Asia, and served as an Action Team Member in Banda Aceh Sumatra providing logistical and operational support. Strike Fighter Squadron ONE NINE TWO in Atsugi, Japan. Where he participated in regular patrols of the Asian Pacific onboard the USS KITTY HAWK and completed the requirements to wear the Professional Aviation Maintenance Officer Warfare device. USS RONALD REAGAN as part of the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department, supporting Operation NEW DAWN, ENDURING FREEDOM and TOMODACHI. He also led the REAGAN team during multiple transits through the Straits of Hormuz and the Gulf of Aden as the Anti-Terrorism Tactical Watch Officer. Carrier Air Wing 11, As the Carrier Air Wing Maintenance Officer (CAGMO), directing the maintenance actions of HSC, HSM, VAQ, VAW and VFA elements in support of Carrier Strike Group 11. He guided critical weapon system upgrades, vital airframe modifications and Type Mode Series transitions. USS CARL VINSON as the Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department Officer. He led the VINSON integration of the “Air Wing of the Future” teaming with the Joint Program Office and PMA-275 to develop logistic support elements and maintenance plans in support of F-35C and CMV-22 carrier operations.
 
CDR Gray’s shore tours included Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. where he continued to support the operational mission of the F/A-18 Hornet type-model series, conducting research, and providing updates to engineering and logistical support to the fleet. Electronic Attack Wing, Whidbey Island, WA. supporting the Electronic Attack community transition from EA-6B to the EA-18G, 10 Carrier Air Wing squadrons, 3 expeditionary squadrons, and a Fleet Readiness Squadron. Commander Fleet Readiness Centers headquarters as the LVL II Production & Readiness Officer. Supporting both LVL II and Depot fleet production efforts.
 
CDR Gray completed the Advanced Aviation Maintenance Course A2M2, Level III requirements for both Production Quality and Management and Life Cycle Logistics via the Defense Acquisition University. Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic, as the Type Wing Maintenance Officer (MO). Supported the Naval Sustainment System for Aviation, teaming with NAVAIR Program Offices, NAVSUP-WSS, DLA, COMFRC, OPNAV N98, TYCOM Carrier Readiness, and industry partners to man, train, and equip the strike fighter community. CDR Gray contributed to the development of formal O-level Maintenance training, delivered via Oceana’s Naval Aviation Maintenance Center of Excellence (NAMCE) while facilitating fleet service life extension of the F/A- 18 Super Hornet.
 
In November 2022, CDR Gray reported onboard NAS Whidbey Island, and currently serves as the
Commanding Officer at Fleet Readiness Center Northwest.
 
His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation
Medal (four awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards).