Rear Adm. Douglas L. Williams is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisana.  He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering. 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.

As a surface warfare officer, his time at sea included sea tours aboard USS Anchorage (LSD 36) and USS Jarrett (FFG 33).  From 2002 to 2005, he was assigned to the Strategic Weapons Facility, Atlantic in Kings Bay, Georgia, 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, U.S. 5th 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 and is currently serving as director for Test at the Missile Defense Agency. 

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: 9 June 2022