CAPT Bill Ellis, USN
Professor of Naval Science and Commanding Officer
NROTC Unit University of Hawaii
Captain Ellis grew up in Western New York and obtained his commission through the NROTC Program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he graduated in 1993 with a B.S. in Physics and Philosophy. He also earned a Master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College in 2008.
CAPT Ellis entered flight school in 1994 and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in 1995. At sea, he served as a P-3C Orion Tactical Coordinator (TACCO) in Patrol Squadron 10, Patrol Squadron 9, and as a Shooter on USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT. He commanded Patrol Squadron 47 where he won the Naval Air Forces 2011 Peer Leadership Award, and later “dual-hatted” as Commander, Task Force 67 and Commander, Fleet Air Sigonella. He has deployed in support of combat Operations Allied Force, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve.
Ashore, CAPT Ellis served as a Weapons and Tactics Instructor for Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Force Pacific; he is a plankowner for the U.S. Africa Command where he served as an Exercise Planner and Branch Chief; as the Current Operations Officer for Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet; and as the Maritime Operations Center Director for Commander, U.S. Submarine Forces Pacific.
CAPT Ellis is currently serving as Professor of Naval Science and Commanding Officer of the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of Hawaii.
His decorations include the Legion of Merit (three awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (three strike/flight), and various personal, unit and campaign decorations.
CAPT Ellis lives in Kailua, Hawaii with his wife, Erin, and their two youngest children, Nolan and Katie.