HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Brig. Gen. Joshua P. Williams was promoted to the rank of brigadier general during a ceremony at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, on Dec. 19.
Williams serves as the program executive officer of the Cyber and Networks Directorate, headquartered at Hanscom AFB. In this role, he leads more than 2,400 personnel and oversees the acquisition execution of a $20 billion portfolio.
“It’s a humbling honor to stand before you as a brigadier general,” Williams said during his remarks.
Brig. Gen. William S. Rogers, Air Force PEO for the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Systems Directorate, officiated the ceremony. He described Williams as an officer who consistently goes above and beyond to achieve results.
“To become a general officer, you have to have a strong foundation,” said Rogers. “(Williams) comes from a strong family and has raised a strong one with his wife, Tina. Building a great foundation is what we must do to be an Air Force general officer.”
Rogers noted that Williams demonstrated leadership potential early in his career through engagement with his peers.
“He is an unparalleled leader,” Rogers stated. “He is a take-charge leader who can get the job done.”
The Cyber and Networks Directorate develops, produces, deploys and sustains Department of the Air Force enterprise information technology, cybersecurity, cryptologic systems, software development platforms, combat communications and special programs.
Previously, Williams served as the PEO for the Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Special Operations Forces Directorate at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. He holds a Bachelor of Science in finance and information from the University of Utah, as well as master’s degrees from Troy University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the National Defense University.
During the ceremony, Williams took the opportunity to recognize the many individuals who helped shape his career.
“I’ve had great experiences as a leader,” he said. “They say you learn from your peers. I learned from you … thank you for opening doors.”
The promotion ceremony not only celebrated a significant milestone in Williams' career but also reinforced the importance of his directorate's mission. As he steps into his new role, Williams is poised to continue his dedicated service and guide the future of the Air Force's cyber and networks at Hanscom AFB.
His extensive experience and the high praise from his colleagues signal a promising future under his leadership.