Rear Adm. William “Spig” Reed, a native of Cary, Illinois, commissioned in 1995 after graduating from the United States Naval Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics. In 2005, he completed the Air Command and Staff course and holds a master’s degree in National Security and Resource Strategy from National Defense University’s Eisenhower School.  Rear Adm. William “Spig” Reed, a native of Cary, Illinois, commissioned in 1995 after graduating from the United States Naval Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics. In 2005, he completed the Air Command and Staff course and holds a master’s degree in National Security and Resource Strategy from National Defense University’s Eisenhower School.  Rear Adm. William “Spig” Reed, a native of Cary, Illinois, commissioned in 1995 after graduating from the United States Naval Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics. In 2005, he completed the Air Command and Staff course and holds a master’s degree in National Security and Resource Strategy from National Defense University’s Eisenhower School.

After earning his wings of gold in May 1998, while stationed at NAS Kingsville, Texas, he served in numerous operational squadrons while flying the E-2C/D, FA-18 E/F, and EA-18G.  His fleet assignments include two tours in the Bear Aces of Airborne Command and Control squadron (VAW) 124, the Golden Hawks of VAW-112, and Wallbangers of VAW-117.  He commanded VAW-117 and Carrier Air Wing 7.  Reed deployed multiple times in support operations Allied Force (Kosovo), Southern Watch (Iraq), Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), Iraqi Freedom, Freedom Sentinel (Afghanistan), and Inherent Resolve (Syria/Iraq) aboard Aircraft Carriers USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), USS Enterprise (CVN-65), USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), USS Nimitz (CVN-68), and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). 

Ashore, Reed’s assignments include duties as Instructor pilot and Landing Signal Officer (LSO) at the Greyhawks of VAW-120, Force LSO at Naval Air Forces Atlantic and the Officer in Charge of the LSO school. Reed served as the lead strategic communicator and congressional liaison for OPNAV N80, Programming Division. His joint assignments include theater security cooperation Mexico Branch Chief at USNORTHCOM (J59) and deploying forward to Al Udied AFB to USCENTCOM Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) as the Battle Director and Strike Advisor. Post major command, he led in the Joint Staff J-8 as the Capabilities and Acquisition division chief and Chief of Staff.  His last assignment ashore was as the executive assistant to the Commander Fleet Forces.

Reed assumed the duties of the Deputy Director for Operations. National Joint Operations and Intelligence Center, J3, Joint Staff in March of 2025.    

Rear Adm. Reed has flown over 5,500 flight hours, 700 arrested landings, and 100 combat missions in the E-2 Hawkeye and FA-18 Super Hornet.  His personal awards are a testament to the diligent, relentless, and sacrificial Sailors with whom he has served.

Last Updated: 14 April 2026