by Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
Thirty-five years ago 1981 Holy Cross High School graduate and New Orleans native Clifton William began his military career, and what a journey it has been.
In 1982, Williams entered the Navy as an enlisted electronics technician aboard USS Francis Scott Key, and USS Tennessee, as a member of the commission crew, both ballistic missile submarines.
He received a commission through the Enlisted Commission Program from Auburn University with a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering and transferred to Strike Fighter Wing Pacific Detachment (DESERT OUTLAWS), NAS Fallon, NV where he served as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer and Assistant Officer in Charge for F/A-18 A/B/C/D aircraft.
As if one degree wasn’t enough, William completed a Dual Master Degree Program for a Master of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Information Technology Management and transferred to the Engineering Duty Officer Community.
Continuing his education, Williams spearheaded the Submarine Engineering Duty Officer Dolphin Program in 2002 and attended Submarine Office Basic Course (SOBC), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Advance Submarine Design Course, Nuclear Assistant Project Superintendent Course and completing a Patrol on board USS GEORGIA SSBN 729.
In 2006, Williams performed an Individual Augmentee (IA) with the Joint Crew Composite Squadron One (JCCS-1) (DESERT CROWS) during Operation IRAQ Freedom. Cmdr. Williams was assigned to serve in combat as the Electronic Warfare Officer for the US ARMY 16th Military Police (Airborne) Brigade and US ARMY 177th Military Police Brigade supporting the Rule of Law and detainee operations throughout IRAQ.
Williams last served at Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC), Corporation Operations Department located in Norfolk, Virginia as the command’s Business and Strategic Planning Officer.
MARMC’s primary mission, with a staff of approximately 2,300 military and civilian personnel, is to provide industrial, engineering, technical and contracting services for maintenance and modernization of naval ships and craft.
For 35 years, he filled mission critical assignments for numerous ballistic missile submarines; strike fighter squadrons and a tour in Operation IRAQ FREEDOM.
Throughout his career, Cmdr. Williams’ personal decorations include a Bronze Star Medal, a commendation medal, four achievement medals and numerous unit awards.
Williams is married to Nancy D. Williams. His mother, Anita F. Williams, lives in Metaire, Louisiana, brother, Christopher Williams, in Houston, Texas and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Howard and Joane Deane, both reside in Auburn, Alabama.
His journey continues as Cmdr. (Retired) Clifton Williams and as George Whitefield said, “Press forward. Do not stop, do not linger in your journey, but strive for the mark set before you.”
