African American Military Leaders
Different Destinations:
Same Service
This issue of USBE&IT highlights some of the top ranking men and
women in America’s uniformed services. They are the generals and
admirals who have demonstrated bravery under fire; dedication to
their cause; and steadfastness over distinguished, and challenging,
careers.
Vice Admiral Melvin G. ‘Mel’ Williams, Jr.
U.S. Fleet Forces Command Deputy
Commander
“I saw my first submarine when I was a third grader,” Vice Ad-
miral Melvin G. ‘Mel’ Williams, Jr. says, “as a third grader I do
believe I was hooked.”
The boy who marveled at submarines on the waterfront in
Groton, Connecticut, all those years ago has grown up. His
destination as much to do with the sea stories told to him by his
father, an enlisted sailor in the U.S. Navy’s submarine force, as
with the strong sense of service he would develop listening to
discussions of the opportunities his father enjoyed serving his
country.
For the Admiral, his father, Master Chief Melvin G. Wil-
liams, Sr. (U.S. Navy retired), the “Golden Thirteen” - first
African Americans to serve as Naval Officers - and Admiral
Elmo Zumwalt Jr., who helped provide opportunities for more
minorities to enter the Naval Academy, are the most memora-
ble examples of African Americans who have made significant
contributions to military history.
“Today, ” the Admiral says, “we have the world’s premier Navy.
The future is bright, and the U.S. Navy will remain ready and
capable to help win the nation’s wars, deter aggression, secure
access, assure our allies and friends, and promote peace and
security.”
To young Americans considering a career, the Admiral’s advice is
that “Service is an integral element of being American...I would
encourage you to consider the right means and duration. That
could include military service, other forms of public service. It
could be two years or it could be a career.”
After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1978, Wil-
liams Jr.’s first submarine assignment was onboard USS Jack in
Groton, Connecticut. The waterfront area was where the Vice
Melvin G. ‘Mel’ Williams, Jr. Admiral had stood pier–side with his father many years before.
46 USBE & Information Technology I January/February 2007
http:www.blackengineer.com
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