Rear Admiral Douglas L. Williams is a native of Baton Rouge, LA.  He graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Engineering.  As a Surface Warfare Officer, his time at sea included sea tours aboard USS Anchorage (LSD 36) and USS Jarrett (FFG 33).  He earned a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2002, where he was also selected for transfer to the Engineering Duty Officer community.

From 2002 to 2005, he was assigned to the Strategic Weapons Facility, Atlantic in Kings Bay, GA, to begin a career with Strategic Systems Programs (SSP).  During this tour, he served in various capacities while earning his Engineering Duty Officer qualification.  In 2005, he reported to SSP Headquarters and assumed duties as the Reentry Special Projects Division Head.

In 2008, Williams volunteered for an Individual Augmentee deployment to Djibouti, Africa at the Combined Joint Task Force, Horn of Africa.  During his tour, he was selected to act as the liaison to U.S. Naval Commander, Fifth Fleet to coordinate and support Counter Piracy efforts within the region.  In 2009, he returned to SSP Headquarters and served in many positions including the Missile Engineering Section Head, Strategic Navigation Subsystem Branch Head, Fire Control & Guidance Subsystem Branch Head, and the Missile Subsystem Branch Head.  In 2017, he assumed the duties as the 18th Technical Director and Deputy Direct Reporting Program Manager for SSP.

In 2022, he was selected to the rank of Rear Admiral (Lower Half) and was assigned as the Director for Test at the Missile Defense Agency where he was responsible for all aspects of planning, designing and execution of the Missile Defense System flight, ground, and cyber testing, and Wargames and Exercises in order to support fielding capabilities to the warfighter. 

On August 1, 2023, Williams was selected to serve as the Missile Defense Agency Acting Director for a period of over 5 months and oversaw the Missile Defense Agency’s global mission to develop, deliver, and sustain layered capabilities to defend the United States, deployed forces, and allies and partners against missile attacks.

On January 1, 2025, he was promoted to Rear Admiral (Upper Half) and is currently serving the Missile Defense Agency as the Director for Test.

Williams’ awards include the Legion of Merit (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), and the Navy Achievement Medal (two awards).

Last Updated: 8 April 2025