A native of Columbia, S.C., Commander Williams enlisted in the U.S. Navy in June 1987. He completed Boot Camp at Recruit Training Command, Orlando and Gunners Mate Guns “A” School at Naval Training Center Great Lakes. During his enlisted career, he served onboard USS White Plains (AFS-4), and Special Boat Unit THIRTEEN before graduating EOD School in October 1994. Williams then served as an EOD Technician at EODMU EIGHT in Italy, Leading Chief Petty Officer (LCPO) at EODMU FIVE Detachment Marianas, and as an LCPO at EODMU FIVE before being selected for a Commission through the Limited Duty Officer program. In 2016 Williams executed a lateral transfer to Special Operation Officer. After receiving his Commission, his operational assignments include Officer in Charge (OIC) of EODMU EIGHT Detachments SIX, EIGHTEEN, and TEN; Platoon Commander of EODMU EIGHT Platoon 8-3-2; EODMU EIGHT Supply Officer, EODMU EIGHT Materiel Officer and EODMU EIGHT Readiness and Training Officer; OIC of Combined Joint Task Force PALADIN Theater Explosive eXploitation (TEX) in Afghanistan; Commanding Officer of Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit ONE based in Pearl Harbor, HI.; and Officer in Charge of the COMSIXTHFLT Mine Countermeasures Detachment (CTG 68.3). His shore assignments include EODGRU TWO Training Officer; EODTEU TWO Department Head; EODTEU TWO Director of Training; EODESU TWO Executive Officer; U. S. Fleet Forces Command EOD, Dive, Salvage and Expeditionary Warfare Advisor; and the U.S. Army War College. He is a designated EOD Officer with qualifications as an Educational/Training Planning Officer, Master EOD Technician, Naval Special Warfare Combat Crewman, Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist and Naval Parachutist, and has a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies. He has completed twelve operational deployments in support of Operations DESERT SHIELD, NORTHERN WATCH, JOINT GUARD, JOINT FORGE, SHEPHERD VENTURE, ENDURING FREEDOM, and IRAQI FREEDOM. Williams’ awards include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (eight awards), Navy Achievement Medal (seven awards), Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (four awards) and the Combat Action Ribbon.