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.
