Although Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) newest public works officer (PWO) knows the words to the song You’re Welcome, in which a demigod brags of his accomplishments in the Disney movie Moana, this PWO is far from conceited.

“My family provided public service in one form or another, and when it was time for me to provide service to the greater good, service to our country, I chose joining the Navy,” said Cmdr. William Butler. “It seemed like a perfect fit.”

Butler, from North Reading, Massachusetts, joined the Navy in summer 1998. He planned to do his time, earn his engineering license and then tackle the world as a civilian. But life had other plans for him.

Twenty-one years later, he finds himself the PWO for America’s Shipyard. With a title and job he doesn’t take for granted, Butler is excited to be a part of a team that provides services to the high-performing men and women who service the fleet.

“It’s an exciting time here at the shipyard,” Butler said. “With the Shipyard Improvement Optimization Plan, we get to give the shipyard better facilities to complete its mission, [while] ensuring the mission doesn’t stop in the process.”

Butler has degrees in civil engineering, ocean engineering and strategic studies. His time in the Navy is just as diverse, as he completed traditional and expeditionary tours. He plans on using this diversity to strengthen Naval Facilities Engineering Command's (NAVFAC) mission to the shipyard.

“I bring a fresh, new perspective to the table,” Butler said. “I was the PWO for Newport, Rhode Island. Although Newport and NNSY are two completely different commands with different missions, NAVFAC’s mission--my mission--stays the same.”

NAVFAC’s mission is to manage the planning, design, construction, contingency engineering, real estate, environmental and public works support for U.S. Navy shore facilities around the world.

Butler is married and with two kids, a son and a daughter. He enjoys the simple things: quality time with his family and going to the gym each day to earn his shower. His work ethic is just as simple.

“Deliver on your promises,” Butler said. “In times like today where resources are limited, you still have to make good on your word. If you say it, do it.”

Butler believes in giving clear direction and guidelines to help a team succeed.

“We're in the middle of a transition period, making the shipyard better," he said. "And if we don’t make good on our promises or give clear direction and guidance, we might not accomplish our mission, which could cause the shipyard not to complete its mission.”

Butler believes he and his team are more than ready to face the challenges ahead. By working together and building relationships around the shipyard, Butler says he's ready and willing to lead the charge.

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