CDR William Patterson
COMMANDING OFFICER
USS HAWAII (SSN 776)

Commander William A. Patterson, a native of Holliston, Massachusetts, began his naval career at the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Unit at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, graduating in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts in Physics.

Following completion of initial nuclear power and submarine training in November 1996, he reported to USS SANTA FE (SSN 763) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He served as the Electrical Officer, Assistant Weapons Officer, Quality Assurance Officer, and Damage Control Assistant. While in USS SANTA FE, he completed two Western Pacific Deployments for which the ship earned the Meritorious Unit Citation.

In June 2000, he reported to Submarine School in New London, Connecticut where he served as a tactics instructor.

After completion of the Submarine Officer Advanced Course in Groton, Connecticut in November 2002, CDR Patterson reported to USS TOPEKA (SSN 754) in San Diego, California as the Navigator. While in USS TOPEKA, he completed a Western Pacific Deployment and the crew earned a Navy Unit Commendation and two Battle Efficiency "E" Awards.

In June 2006, CDR Patterson reported to the Air Command and Staff College in Montgomery, Alabama where he completed required military education and earned his Masters degree. Following Staff College he reported to Headquarters, United States Southern Command in Miami, Florida where he served as a Maritime Action Officer.

After completion of the Submarine Command Course in September 2008, he reported to USS FLORIDA (SSGN 728) in Kings Bay, Georgia as Executive Officer. While in USS FLORIDA, he conducted two SSGN operations periods and the crew earned two Battle Efficiency "E" Awards.

In July of 2010, he reported to CTF-69 in Naples Italy as the Deputy for Submarine Operations.

CDR Patterson has been awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and various other individual, campaign and unit awards.