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 his military service, Williams worked for two years at the U.S. Department of Energy. He was the Associate Deputy Secretary of Energy from 2011 to 2013. In this role, he managed 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 Williams Jr. and his father are a unique pair. His father reached the highest rank for an enlisted sailor. Melvin Williams Jr. reached a top officer rank. They are the only African American father and son to achieve this.
Contents
Melvin Williams Jr.'s Life Story
Early Life and Education
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 once met Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, who was the Chief of Naval Operations. Chief Williams Sr. pointed out unfair practices in the Navy's Steward's Branch. Admiral Zumwalt later put an end to these practices.
Melvin Williams Jr. went to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He graduated 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 Military Career
Vice Admiral Williams served in the U.S. Navy for 32 years as an officer. He also served one year as an enlisted sailor. He was a nuclear-trained submariner. He served on the USS Jack (SSN 605).
He was chosen to become an admiral in 2002. He had many important jobs during his time in the Navy. He led four different commands.
- He commanded the U.S. Second Fleet. This fleet had 130 ships and over 90,000 sailors and marines. They helped with disaster relief after the big earthquake in Haiti in January 2010.
- He commanded Submarine Group Nine, which included 12 submarines and over 4,000 sailors.
- He commanded Submarine Squadron Four, which had 6 submarines and their crews.
- He was the Commanding Officer of the Gold Crew of the USS Nebraska (SSBN-739). This was an Ohio-class Strategic Ballistic Missile submarine. It was named the best strategic mission performer in the nation.
He also held other important roles. He was the Deputy Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces. He was the Director of Global Operations at U.S. Strategic Command. He was the Executive Officer on USS Louisville (SSN-724) during the start of Operation Desert Storm. He was also the Chief of Staff for the KITTY HAWK Carrier Strike Group. This was during the start of Operation Enduring Freedom after the 9/11 Attack on the United States.
He co-wrote a leadership book called "Navigating the Seven Seas" with his father. In 2012, the U.S. Navy said this book was one of 18 "essential reading" books for all Navy members.
Work at the Department of Energy
In 2011, Williams was appointed as Associate Deputy Secretary in the Department of Energy (DOE). This was a special appointment by the President. He worked directly with the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Energy. His job was to make the DOE more effective and better at its operations.
Leading GW VALOR
In 2013, Williams joined The George Washington University. He led the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs. His role was to support military students, their families, and veterans at the university. He helped them get learning opportunities and benefits. He also worked with university leaders to make education more affordable for the military community.
GW VALOR, under Associate Provost Williams, provided strong leadership and student support. It also oversaw the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program at the university. Williams left GW VALOR in 2016 for a job at UC Davis.
The Catholic University of America
Williams used to be an associate dean at the School of Engineering at 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 greater 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
Other Recognitions
- The Catholic University of America 2012 Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award
- The Black Engineer of the Year Award for Professional Achievement (2011)
- Induction into the STEM Hall of Fame (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 in his honor.
See Also
- United States Fleet Forces Command
- United States Strategic Command
- United States Navy
