Profile
Captain William J. Nolan is a native of Ayer, Massachusetts, and a 1985 graduate of the
U.S. Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. In 1999, he earned his Masters Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College and is a fully qualified Joint Qualified Officer (JQO).
Captain Nolan earned his wings and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in December 1986. He reported to Air Anti-Submarine Squadron 41 (VS-41) for training in the S-3A and completed the syllabus in October 1987. His first squadron tour was with the “Fighting Redtails” of Air Anti-Submarine Squadron 21 (VS-21). While attached to the Redtails he completed a North Pacific Exercise and two Western Pacific deployments with CVW-11 aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65).
In December 1990 he reported for instructor duty with VS-41, the Pacific fleet S-3 Fleet Replacement Squadron. Following his two-year instructor tour, he reported to Commander Carrier Group THREE in Alameda, CA as Assistant Air Operations Officer. During the two year tour, he made two Western Pacific deployments aboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72).
Captain Nolan reported in July 1996 to the “Blue Wolves” of Sea Control Squadron 35 (VS-35) for his department head tour. He deployed aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) and CVW-14 to the Arabian Gulf and served as Safety Officer and Maintenance Officer.
After graduating from the Naval War College in 1999, he reported to the Joint Staff, where he served as an Action Officer on the Operations Directorate, Current Military Readiness Division (J-38 Readiness). From July of 2001 to June of 2002, he served as Chief Staff Officer for Commander, Sea Control Wing, U. S. Pacific Fleet.
Captain Nolan reported to the VS-33 “Screwbirds” in December 2002 as Executive Officer. He assumed command of the “Screwbirds” on 11 March, 2004 and deployed in January 2005 for a Western Pacific deployment on the USS CARL VINSON in support of the Global War on Terror. In July 2005, Captain Nolan reported to the Navy Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee, where he served as the Major Staff Placement Officer, PERS-442.
Captain Nolan reported to the Naval War College in September 2007 where he is currently a member of the Military Faculty. Additionally, he is serving as the Executive Assistant to the civilian Chair of the Strategy and Policy Department.