Captain, USS WISCONSIN  9/28/90-4/27/91

Bill is a native of Norfolk, VA He is a 1966 graduate of the US Naval Academy. During his initial tour of duty, Captain Bill served aboard USS JOHN KING (DDG3) as Gunnery Assistant and ASW Officer. After two years at sea, he was ordered to River Patrol Flotilla Five in the MEKONG DELTA, RVN. During 1968-1969 he made 150 combat patrols as a Patrol Officer in River Division 554 and as Executive Officer of River Division 514. After a year in Vietnam, Captain Bill attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, in the Ordnance Engineering Program, returning to sea in 1972 as a Weapons Officer in USS JP KENNEDY DD850 and as an Operations Office in USS TALBOT (FFG 4). From 1975 to 1976 Captain Bill served as Flag Lieutenant to Commander, Naval Forces Caribbean, before attending the Royal Naval Staff College in Greenwich, England. After a year as Ordnance Logistics Officer on the staff of the commander, US Naval Forces Europe, Captain Bill reported for duty as Executive Office of USS COONTZ (DDG40), homeported in Norfolk, VA. In 1981 Captain Bill assumed duties as Flag Secretary to Command SIXTH Fleet, homeported in Gaeta, Italy, where he served until 1983. Captain Bill commanded USS MAHAN (DDG42) from 1984-1986. Following this first command, Captain Bill was an instructor at the Tactical Training Group Atlantic in Dam Neck, Va. From 1986 to 1988 he served as the Fleet Introduction Officer for the AEGIS program and as Executive Assistant to the Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command. In July 1988 he assumed command of the USS MOBILE BAY (CG53). His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit with one star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal with one star, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. Captain Bill assumed command of the USS WISCONSIN on 28 September 1990.  Upon his return from the Gulf War, Captain Bill attained the rank of RADM.