After completing The Basic School at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, and flight training he was designated a Naval Aviator in October 1965.

In April 1968, he reported to 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, on the Demilitarized Zone as Air Liaison Officer and in September of that year, completed his first combat tour.

In June 1977 he reported to Landing Force Training Command at Little Creek, Va., as Head, Aviation Section, Supporting Arms Branch.

After two years, he received orders to the NATO Defense College in Rome, Italy and following that tour was assigned in February 1982 as Chief of Plans, Headquarters, Fleet Marine Force, Europe in London.

General Williams served in this capacity until July 1991, when he was assigned as Commander, Marine Corps Air Bases, Western Area.