Captain Robert E. Williams was born July 25, 1928, in Kimball, Nebraska. He graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. Following his graduation he was appointed a Deck Officer on September 7, 1950, and commissioned an Ensign on March 7, 1951.

During his almost 28-year career, he served aboard the following ships: EXPLORER and PATHFINDER; HODGSON as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer; and RAINIER as Commanding Officer. His other assignments included various field parties; Cartographer to the Point IV Program in Monrovia, Liberia; Projects Officer, Operations Division, Office of Oceanography; Operations Officer at the Seattle Regional Office; Chief, Operations Division and later Deputy Director at the Pacific Marine Center; Director, Lake Survey Center; Director, Sea Grant Program at the University of Washington; NOS, New Ship Construction Staff; and at the time of his retirement on November 1, 1978, as the Deputy Associate Director, Office of Fleet Operations.

He was awarded the Department of Commerce Silver Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, U.S. Army Good Conduct Medal, and Unit Citation.

Captain Williams is survived by his wife, Audrey, and two children Dale and Donna.

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NOAA CORPS BULLETIN, 12/1/1989