Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic (SUBLANT) recognized Gilbert Williams as the command’s 2022 Civilian of the Year during an award ceremony, Jan. 17.
Williams, SUBLANT’s force manning officer, received the award for the superior performance of his duties throughout 2022.
Vice Adm. William Houston, commander, U.S. Submarine Forces (SUBFOR), highlighted achievements during the award ceremony.
“Williams’ dedication and continual drive to go above and beyond was instrumental in ensuring our commands were manned to effectively complete their missions,” said Houston. “This work enabled all unplanned losses to be addressed in a timely manner and set the Submarine Force up for continual success.”
As the force manning officer, Williams provided support to over 8,500 assigned officer and enlisted Sailors throughout sea and shore commands. He also volunteered to be the type commander pay subject matter expert where his expertise, tenacity and superior leadership were instrumental in resolving numerous Sailor pay and entitlement issues.
“Williams’ ability to self-assess and self-correct enabled him to quickly identify barriers in pay and personnel systems, allowing him and his team to draft improved pay instructions, guidance and processes,” said Dr. Martin Irvine, SUBFOR’s executive director. “Williams, please accept my hearty congratulations for your exceptional performance in 2022, the competition was tight and you distinguished yourself well.”
After receiving the award, Williams expressed gratitude for the recognition and took time to thank the Sailors and civilians who helped along the way.
“It’s an honor and I am extremely appreciative to be recognized as this year’s civilian of the year,” said Williams. “I would like to take time to acknowledge and thank the hard work and efforts by the active-duty Sailors and civilians that work with me as their assistance was essential to the work I completed.”
Although Williams is SUBLANT’s civilian of the year, there are more than 80 civilian employees who ensure the command’s daily goals are met and surpassed.
U.S. Submarine Forces execute the Department of the Navy’s mission in and from the undersea domain. In addition to lending added capacity to naval forces, Submarine Forces, in particular, are expected to leverage those special advantages that come with undersea concealment to permit operational, deterrent and combat effects that the Navy and the Nation could not otherwise achieve.
U.S. Submarine Forces and supporting organizations constitute the primary undersea arm of the Navy. Submarines and their crews remain the tip of the undersea spear.