Red Cross Had Massive 2017 Response

Hailing from Pittsford, New York, Rear Admiral Rick Williams possesses a long and distinguished career of military service, including posts as commander of the Navy Region Hawaii and Carrier Strike Group 15. Outside of his career, Rear Admiral Rick Williams is a longtime supporter of the American Red Cross.

There were six major disasters that struck the United States in 2017, and the American Red Cross was on hand to help with relief efforts for each of them. These tragedies included four devastating hurricanes, the worst mass shooting in American history, and a set of wildfires in California more destructive than any that have come before. In the midst of these events, the Red Cross handed out more food, relief supplies, and temporary shelter accommodations in 2017 than over the previous four years combined. The organization is able to do this through generous financial contributions and an army of volunteers. To learn more about its efforts, visit redcross.org.

The Legion of Merit

Currently transitioning to a career in business, Rick Williams served a number of years as a rear admiral in the United States Navy. His military career included several command assignments across multiple naval mission areas. In recognition of his accomplishments, the Navy awarded Rick Williams five Legion of Merit medals.

Structured by Colonel Robert Townsend Heard and sculpted by Katharine W. Lane, the Legion of Merit received official authorization through the United States Congress on July 20, 1942. The French Legion of Honor strongly influenced both the name and design of this prestigious American medal.

Honoring exceptionally meritorious conduct that goes above and beyond the superior performance of normal duties, the Legion of Merit doesn’t reflect heroism per se, but recognizes service and achievement in key positions of responsibility. The Armed Forces of the United States can issue this decoration not only to active U.S. service members, but also military personnel and political figures of foreign countries. In recognition of each recipient’s rank and national affiliation, the Legion of Merit comes in four different degrees: Chief Commander, Commander, Officer, and Legionnaire.

Shelter of Hope Campaign Raises Funds for San Diego Red Cross

As a rear admiral in the United States Navy, Rick Williams led various command assignments and has been awarded the Legion of Merit award on five different occasions. No longer a rear admiral, Rick Williams continues to serve others, supporting several nonprofit organizations, including his local chapter of the American Red Cross. 

In an effort to raise awareness and funds for its work helping those affected by disasters, the American Red Cross of San Diego/Imperial Counties chapter coordinates several events throughout the year. Recently, the organization wrapped up its 2017 Shelter of Hope campaign, which brings community leaders and volunteers together for several days of fundraising.

With a goal of raising $500,000 for the chapter’s disaster-recovery programs, Regional Red Cross CEO Bill Earley and local Shelter of Hope partners stayed for individual nights in a simulated disaster shelter. During the campaign, the mock shelter traveled throughout San Diego County and made stops at local organizations to raise funds and awareness for the Red Cross. At each stop, community members had the opportunity to visit the shelter and take part in themed activities. 

Although the campaign was originally scheduled to last May 1-8, it fell short of its $500,000 goal and entered an “overtime” phase. Bill Earley stayed in the shelter until the goal was met on May 15.

Rear Admiral Richard L. "Rick" Williams Commander, Navy Region Hawaii

Rear Adm. Rick Williams is a native of Pittsford, New York, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the Rochester Institute of Technology. He was commissioned through Navy ROTC as a surface warfare officer in June 1984.

Williams’ early operational tours include anti-submarine warfare officer on USS Trippe (FF-1075), combat systems officer on USS Taurus (PHM-3), combat systems officer on USS Aubrey Fitch (FFG-34), combat systems officer in Destroyer Squadron Eight, and executive officer on USS O’Bannon (DD-987). Williams commanded USS McInerney (FFG-8) from 2002 through 2004 earning the Battle “E” for Excellence and the Department of Homeland Security Golden Eagle Award for successful counter-narcotic and maritime interdiction operations. Major command assignments include Commander Destroyer Squadron Two-Six, leading Maritime Security task groups in the Arabian Gulf from 2006 through 2008, followed by deputy 5th Fleet, and director of Maritime Operations from 2008 through 2009 in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, as well as directing maritime Counter Piracy and Counter Terrorist operations. Shore assignments include Navigation and Leadership Instructor duties at the U.S. Naval Academy from 1989-1991, executive assistant to the Deputy of Missile Defense Agency in 2000-2002, lead campaign planner OPNAV Assessments/Capability Analyses N81 from 2004 -2006, special assistant to Chief of Naval Operations from 2009 to 2011 and executive assistant to the Commander, Central Command from 2011 through 2012. As a flag select, Williams led the Fleet Forces Assessments branch in support of the Navy’s new Readiness Kill Chain enterprise initiative in 2012 and 2013.

Williams earned a Master of Business degree from the University of Maryland, holds a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, and completed the MIT Strategic Security Seminar XXI Fellowship. Personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal (2 awards) Legion of Merit (4 awards), Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Joint Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards), Army Commendation Medal, and Navy Achievement medal (3 awards).

Williams assumed command of Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific in July 2013.