Lt. Gen. Darryl Williams, who graduated from the U.S. Military Academy 35 years ago, returned this week to serve as the first black superintendent in West Point's 216-year history.
“I'm honored to command such a group of outstanding Americans,” Williams told the crowd gathered at the academy in West Point, New York, for his assumption of command ceremony on Monday.
Williams, a native of Alexandria, Va., and member of the Military Officers Association of America, is the academy's 60th superintendent. He replaces Lt. Gen. Robert L. Caslen, who retired after serving in the position since 2013.
As Williams was taking command on Monday, about 1,200 cadets from the class of 2022 entered the academy. In his new role, Williams will help shape this next generation of military leaders.
Gen. Mark Milley, Chief of Staff of the Army, oversaw the ceremony.
“He is a man of integrity,” Milley said. “He's not afraid to speak through power, but he does it in a professional way.
Darryl understands where he came from and how far he has come. … He's exactly what we need in the next superintendent of West Point.”
Williams has 111 months of commanding time, Milley said.
Most recently, Williams served as the commander of NATO's Allied Land Command in Turkey. Among other assignments, has served as the Deputy Chief of Staff of the United States Army in Europe, Deputy Commanding
General for Support for the 2nd Infantry Division in the Republic of Korea, Commanding General for the United States Army Warrior Transition Command and Assistant Surgeon General for Warrior Care and Transition.
Williams has been awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, among other awards.
Williams will draw from his experience to teach and mentor the cadets at West Point.
“I'm ready to lead America's sons and daughters,” he said. “Over the next several weeks … I'll develop refined leadership priorities.”
New cadets complete six weeks of Cadet Basic Training to learn the basic skills of being an Army officer. They face rigorous physical training, small-unit tactical training and rifle marksmanship, as well as learning to respond quickly and accurately to their commanders under mental and physical stress.
“I know first-hand the importance of having smart, tough, thoughtful, innovative leaders with character who can lead and operate in some very complex environments - the kind of leaders this great institution develops,” Williams said.
“I know how important good leadership is to the Army so we can defend our nation and win on the battlefield, so the work we do here to train and develop leaders is crucial to that end.”
Amanda Dolasinski is MOAA's staff writer. She can be reached at amandad@moaa.org. Follow her on Twitter @AmandaMOAA.