Rear Admiral William J. Holland is a native of Iowa City, Iowa. He is a 1955 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from the Kennedy School, Harvard University.

After an initial tour onboard USS Hailey (DD556), his career as a submariner includes assignments on USS Darter (SS 576), USS Scorpion (SSN589), USS Gato (SSN 615) and command of USS Pintado (SSN615) and USS Plunger (SSN595), Staff of Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) Three, command of Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) One and Submarine Group (SUBGU) Five.

Holland's shore duty tours include instructor at Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit, West Milton, New York and chief engineer of S1C Nuclear Power Prototype, Windsor, Connecticut, U.S. Naval Academy where he served in the Executive department and became the first director of Professional Development and the action officer for the Admittance of Women. He commanded the Naval Submarine School, Groton Connecticut.

Holland's first flag tour was as a Deputy Director of Operations, National Military Command Center. He then served on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations as the Director of Strategic and Theater Warfare (OP65) and later as Deputy Director, Command, Control and Communications (OP94B).

Holland's decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (four awards), Navy Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal and various campaign and unit awards..

Last Updated: 27 April 2022