Rear Adm. William G. Timme is a native of Quantico, Virginia. The son of a career military officer, he attended Rutgers University for one year prior to entering the Naval Academy in 1974, graduating with distinction in 1978 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He holds a Masters of Engineering Management from the Catholic University of America.

Following commissioning and completion of nuclear power and basic submarine training, Rear Adm. Timme reported to USS Archerfish (SSN 678) in April 1980. He served as Reactor Controls Assistant and Weapons Officer, completing three deployments. He completed Submarine Officers Advanced Course in October 1985, earning the L. Y. Spear Award as class Honorman. He then reported as submarine new construction Engineer Officer on PCU Tennessee (SSBN 734), where the ship earned the Navy Unit Commendation during the shipyard construction period. Timme then relieved as Executive Officer of USS Chicago (SSN 721) in April 1991, earning the Battle Efficiency "E" award. In March 1995, he relieved as Commanding Officer, USS Helena (SSN 725) and conducted two western Pacific deployments which included numerous exercises and operations, including supporting the USS Constellation Battle Group. Subsequently, Helena conducted an interfleet transfer and began a Depot Modernization Period at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

Ashore, Timme was assigned to the Personnel Exchange Program for two years with the Royal Navy in Great Britain. He served on the staff of flag officer Submarines at the Commander-in-Chief Fleet Headquarters in Northwood, England. He served at the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Washington, D.C., as the Submarine Department Head detailer. Timme also served as flag secretary and senior aide to Commander Submarine Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet. 

In May 1998, Timme reported to the New Attack Submarine Program as the Warfare Requirements and Fleet liaison officer. He then relieved as the program manager for Undersea Weapons, responsible for all of the Navy's torpedo programs from cradle-to-grave.

Timme was selected for flag officer in April 2002 and was then served as deputy commander for Undersea Warfare (SEA07) at Naval Sea Systems Command until November 2006. Concurrently, Timme served as commander, Naval Undersea Warfare Center from January 2003 to June 2004.  Timme retired from active duty in March 2007.

Timme is a Submarine Warfare Officer and decorations include the Legion of Merit Medal (three awards), Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy Achievement Medal and various campaign, unit, and service awards.

Last Updated: 16 March 2022