Commander Jacob Williams

CDR Williams is a native of Basking Ridge, New Jersey.  He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He holds a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering and a Certificate in Systems Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology.  He is a graduate of the Navy School of Aviation Safety and completed the Navy Joint Professional Military Education non-resident course.

CDR Williams was designated a Naval aviator in April 2003 and qualified as an SH-60B pilot at the Fleet Replacement Squadron in Mayport, Florida.

He has served in a variety of sea and shore assignments.  At HSL-48 he deployed on the USS THOMAS S. GATES (CG 51), USS MCINERNEY (FFG 8), and USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (FFG 58) supporting Joint Maritime Course Neptune Warrior, UNITAS, PANAMAX, and Counter Narco-Terrorism operations.  He served as the V-4 division officer and earned his Assistant Air Officer designation while deployed as a Shooter on the maiden cruise of the USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN 77).  In 2012 he reported to HSL-37 as the Safety Department head and Aviation Safety officer, during which time the squadron was awarded the Commander, Naval Air Forces, Pacific Safety Award.  He then deployed to SEVENTH Fleet onboard USS HOWARD (DDG 83) as the officer in charge of the Detachment TWO “Nightmarchers” supporting exercises Ssang Yong, Foal Eagle, and theater ASW.  Upon his return, he took over as the HSM-37 Operations officer.  Most recently CDR Williams deployed as an officer in charge of TACRON-22 detachment TWO, leading his detachment through the exercise Trident Juncture as well as a deployment to FIFTH Fleet.

Ashore, he attended the Air Force Institute of Technology in Dayton, Ohio, and served as the Navy’s Targets and Training Ranges Requirements Officer in the office of the Director, Air Warfare (N98) where he was responsible for the requirements and resourcing of the Navy’s portfolio of aerial, surface, and underwater targets and training ranges.

His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various service and unit awards.  He is married to the former Kathleen Denk of Summit, New Jersey, and has two sons Sean and Evan.