Commodore (OF-6) Sean Williams was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1997 as a Maritime Engineer, graduating from the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2001.
Following engineering training at HMS Sultan in the United Kingdom, and the Canadian Forces Naval Engineering School in Halifax Nova Scotia, Commodore Williams joined his first ship, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Regina, during which time he deployed to the Arabian Sea as part of Operation Apollo. He later served as the Engineering Officer of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Ville de Québec. That assignment included a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea as part of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 and participation in Operation Active Endeavour. During that time, the ship also conducted anti-piracy operations in support of the United Nations’ World Food Program, escorting ships from Mombasa, Kenya, to Mogadishu, Somalia.
Commodore Williams has significant experience working ashore, specializing in the in-service support of naval ships and equipment. He has served extensively in the Department of National Defence’s Maritime Equipment Program Management division, culminating with a tour as the Chief of Staff and Commanding Officer. He is also experienced in Project Management, having participated in the procurement of the Royal Canadian Navy’s River-class Destroyers, and was awarded a level 2 certification in the Project Management Competency Development program. He has served as the career manager for all of the Royal Canadian Navy’s technical officers, and was the Executive Assistant to the Chief of the Defence Staff.
In 2020, Commodore Williams returned to his home town where he assumed Command of Canadian Forces Base Halifax, Canada’s largest naval base, a post he held for two years.
Commodore Williams is a graduate of the Canadian Forces College in Toronto, Ontario, having completed the Joint Command and Staff Program in 2016, the Canadian Security Studies Program in 2019 and the National Security Program in 2023. He holds a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from the University of Ottawa and a Master of Defence Studies from the Royal Military College of Canada.
Commodore Williams joined the Allied Maritime Command as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans in August 2024. He lives in the greater London area with his wife and son.