Rear Admiral Rick Williams

As commander of both Navy Surface Group Middle Pacific and Navy Region Hawaii, Rear Admiral Rick Williams oversaw and completed renewable energy, shipboard maintenance, and training-related projects that helped enhance US Navy readiness. Rear Admiral Rick Williams prepared for his military career by enrolling at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where he participated in Navy ROTC and earned the Midshipman of the Year Award. He graduated with his bachelor of Science in business.

After serving for several years as an officer in the US Navy, he pursued graduate training at the University of Maryland, which awarded him his master of business administration. Following that, he achieved his master of arts in national security affairs from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

Beyond his education, he gained hands-on leadership experience while participating in and commanding combat support initiatives during Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. He is the recipient of several awards, including two Defense Superior Service and five Legions of Merit.