Melvin Williams (admiral) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Melvin G. Williams Jr.
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VADM (ret.) Melvin G. Williams Jr.
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| Born | November 3, 1955 San Diego, California |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Years of service | 1978–2010 |
| Rank | Vice Admiral |
| Commands held | U.S. Second Fleet
Submarine Group 9 Submarine Squadron 4 USS Nebraska (SSBN-739) |
Vice Admiral Melvin Gene Williams Jr. was born on November 3, 1955. He is a retired officer from the United States Navy. He used to be the Commander of the U.S. Second Fleet. He also directed the Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Center of Excellence.
After serving in the military, Williams worked for two years at the U.S. Department of Energy. He was an Associate Deputy Secretary from 2011 to 2013. In this role, he helped manage the daily operations of the Department of Energy.
Since 2013, he has worked in universities. He is also known as a Joint Service Officer (JSO).
Melvin G. Williams Jr. and his father are a special pair. They are the only African American father and son where the father reached a top enlisted rank and the son reached a top officer rank in the Navy.
Contents
About Melvin G. Williams Jr.
Early Life and Learning
Vice Admiral Williams was born in San Diego, California. He grew up in Washington, DC. His father, Master Chief Melvin G. Williams, Sr., also served in the United States Navy. His father served from 1951 to 1978. Chief Williams Sr. worked on submarines, aircraft carriers, and other ships. He even met Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, who was the Chief of Naval Operations. His father helped point out unfair practices in the Navy, which Admiral Zumwalt later stopped.
Williams went to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He finished in 1978 with a degree in Mathematics. In 1984, he earned a Master's degree in Engineering. He got this degree from The Catholic University of America.
His Time in the Military
Vice Admiral Williams served in the U.S. Navy for 32 years as an officer. He also spent one year as an enlisted sailor. He was a submariner who worked with nuclear power on the USS Jack (SSN 605). He was chosen to become an admiral in 2002.
He had many important jobs during his career. He commanded four different groups:
- Commander of U.S. Second Fleet: This group had 130 ships and over 90,000 sailors and marines. They helped with disaster relief after a big earthquake in Haiti in 2010.
- Commander of Submarine Group Nine: This group included 12 submarines and over 4,000 sailors.
- Commander of Submarine Squadron Four: This group had 6 submarines and their crews.
- Commanding Officer of USS Nebraska (SSBN-739) (Gold Crew): This was a special submarine that was named the best at its mission in the nation.
He also held other important roles. He was Deputy Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces. He was also Director of Global Operations at U.S. Strategic Command. He was the Executive Officer on USS Louisville (SSN-724) during the first combat operations for Operation Desert Storm. He was also Chief of Staff for the KITTY HAWK Carrier Strike Group after the 9/11 Attack on the United States.
He also wrote a leadership book with his father called "Navigating the Seven Seas." In 2012, the U.S. Navy said this book was "essential reading" for all Navy members.
Working for the Government
In 2011, Williams was chosen by the President to work at the Department of Energy (DOE). He was an Associate Deputy Secretary. He worked closely with the Secretary of Energy and Deputy Secretary of Energy. His job was to help the DOE work better and more efficiently.
Helping Military Students
In 2013, Williams joined The George Washington University. He led the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs. His job was to help military students, their families, and veterans at the university. He worked to make sure they had good learning chances. He also helped make college more affordable for them. He left this role in 2016 to work at UC Davis.
At The Catholic University of America
Williams used to be an associate dean at the School of Engineering. This is part of The Catholic University of America. In 2023, he joined the university's board of trustees.
Personal Life
Williams and his family have lived in the Washington, D.C. area for a long time.
Education and Training
- U.S. Naval Academy - 1978 (Bachelor of Science in Mathematics)
- Naval Nuclear Propulsion and Submarine Officer Training - 1979
- Catholic University - 1984 (Master of Science in Engineering)
- Joint Maritime Tactics Course - 1999
- National Defense University CAPSTONE Military Leadership Program - 2002
- Naval Postgraduate School Executive Business Course - 2003
- Harvard University, Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executive Program in National and International Security - 2005
Awards and Honors
Military Awards
- Navy Distinguished Service Medal (two awards)
- Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit (five awards)
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards)
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards)
Other Special Awards
- The Catholic University of America 2012 Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award
- The Black Engineer of the Year Award for Professional Achievement (he was also put into the STEM Hall of Fame in 2011)
- The National Society of Black Engineers Award for Lifetime Achievement in Government
- The Thurgood Marshall Award for Service and Leadership
- Defense Mapping Agency Outstanding Personnel of the Year
Civilian Honors
In 2019, the Engineering department at his old university, CUA, named a lab after him.
See also
- United States Fleet Forces Command
- United States Strategic Command
- United States Navy
