Brett Matthew Williams, accomplished naval flight officer
Commander Brett Matthew Williams, devoted husband, loving father, caring son, brother, uncle, and accomplished naval flight officer, unexpectedly passed away Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. Commander Williams led a remarkable life filled with love and purpose that continues to inspire his family and friends.
Brett was born May 3, 1981, in Lewes, to Bonnie and Ralph F. Williams III. Brett was a Beebe baby and grew up on the beaches of Lewes with his older brothers, Bryan and Andrew Williams, and many cousins. Brett graduated from Cape Henlopen High School in 1999. He was involved in many extracurricular activities during his youth and high school years, including varsity soccer and varsity lacrosse. In fact, Brett played on the first Cape Henlopen boys’ lacrosse team to win the Delaware State Championship in 1999 and was an Academic All-American for lacrosse his senior year. Brett also played the tuba for the Cape Henlopen Marching Band, which took him to travels in Orlando and London with the school band; he even stepped out of his comfort zone one year, starring in the high school musical “Fiddler on the Roof.” After high school, Brett went on to graduate from Duke University in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He attended Duke on a naval ROTC scholarship. Following graduation, he was commissioned in the U.S. Navy and began his career journey as a naval flight officer.
After earning his Wings of Gold, Brett joined the Liberty Bells of VAW-115 at NAF Atsugi, Japan, where he met the love of his life, Genevieve. Brett and Genevieve enjoyed travel throughout Asia until their move to NAS Fallon, Nev., where Brett graduated from the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and was a weapons and tactics instructor for Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School. In 2011, Brett joined the Bear Aces of VAW-124 in Norfolk, Va., serving as the squadron’s training officer. In 2013, Brett was selected to attend the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., and graduated with a master of science in management with honors and received the Chief of Naval Personnel Award for Academic Excellence in Manpower, Personnel and Training. Following graduation, Brett joined the Black Eagles of VAW-113 at NAS Point Mugu, Calif., where he served as the safety and maintenance officer until he moved to Stuttgart, Germany, to serve as the deputy division chief for the Gulf of Guinea, North, and Central Africa Regional Engagement Division at USAFRICOM. In 2020, Brett served onboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) as the air operations officer/floating accommodation facility mayor. Most recently, Brett was serving as the executive officer for the NROTC Mid-South Region Consortium consisting of the University of Memphis and the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss).
Beyond his professional achievements, Brett was most proud of the special family he and Genevieve made. Brett was a loving husband to his wife, Genevieve Bustos of Pensacola, Fla., and a devoted father to their 6-year-old son, Sheppard. He made the most out of every moment together. Wherever they lived, he sought out adventures and soaked in the culture. He loved life and, most of all, he loved the people he shared his life with. Brett was surrounded not only by his sweet nuclear family, but he also made efforts to keep in touch with his parents, whom he spoke with multiple times a week, and his brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends near and far. You always felt Brett’s love, support and interest in your life whether it had been days, weeks, months, or even years since you last talked to or saw him. Brett, Genevieve, and Sheppard are also blessed with an amazing Navy family who have surrounded them with love, connection, and fun in all the places they have lived, building lifelong relationships and memories that Genevieve and Sheppard will carry forward.
Commander Brett Williams leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and selfless service. His contributions to the U.S. Navy and his impact on those who served alongside him will never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and colleagues. May he rest in peace.
A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 10, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, Pensacola, Fla., with a rosary to be prayed at 5 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 11, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Pensacola. Burial will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery with military honors.
