RADM William Masters was the last Commander, Naval Security Group, serving in the position from August 2005 to 30 September 2005.

RADM Masters passed unexpectedly on April 4, 2023. A celebration of life was attended by hundreds of people, including Flag Officers, at the Halifax River Yacht Club on April, 12 2023. He was well loved and respected by all and is sorely missed. RADM Masters is survived by his wife Grace and their two sons William III, Bobby and his Daughter-in-law Stacey and two grandsons William IV and Jack M Masters. RADM Masers was active in veterans’ activities, the community and served as the HRYC Commodore for the year 2010.

Thank you Jerry Stephenson, MSgt USMC NAC (Ret) for sharing RADM Masters’ passing with Station HYPO.

RADM William D. Masters biography follows:

REAR ADMIRAL WILLIAM D. MASTERS, Jr.
UNITED STATES NAVY, RETIRED

Rear Admiral William D. Masters, Jr., a native of Canton, Illinois, joined the Navy in March of 1964 and served as a Cryptologic Technician during the conflict in Vietnam. As an enlisted Sailor, he served in supervisory and direct support assignments in the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, and at sea.

Following his graduation from Western Illinois University, Rear Admiral Masters received a direct commission in Naval Intelligence in 1973 and he became a cryptologic officer.

RDML Masters has commanded Naval Security Group Reserve units in Baltimore, Maryland; Washington, D.C.; Atlanta, Georgia; Fort Worth, Texas; Tampa, Florida; and Orlando, Florida. He has also served as Regional Cryptologic Area Commander South, Assistant Chief of Staff/N5, and the Chief of Staff, Naval Security Reserve Command.

He completed a three-year active-duty assignment as special Assistant for Reserve Plans and Policy at the Naval Security Group, which is headquartered at Fort Meade, Maryland, before taking charge of Naval Security Group Reserve Command. He was recalled to active duty as the Vice Commander, Naval Security Group Command and served as Commander, Naval Security Group until the October 2005 merger with Naval Network Warfare Command where he served as Reserve Vice Commander until his retirement. He was triple-hatted as the Mobilization Assistant to the Deputy Chief, Central Security Service at the National Security Agency/Central Security Service.

As a civilian, RDML Masters has served in various leadership positions in the Department of Defense and Federal Aviation Administration, where he headed Organization and Management development at the acclaimed FAA Center for Management Development. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the “Hammer Award” for excellence in government, personally presented by the Vice President of the United States, and the Meritorious Civilian Service Award.

Rear Admiral Masters holds a Masters Degree in business Administration and a Bachelors Degree in Economics from Western Illinois University, which recently granted him the Distinguished Alumni Award. He is a graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College and the Tuck Executive Program at the Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College.

Among his military awards are the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Vietnam Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.