CDR William C. Messick

Executive Officer, USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) Gold Crew

01 March 2024 CDR Messick is a native of Chester County Pennsylvania and enlisted in September 2000 striking Aviation Boatswain Mate (Handling). After completing two deployments on USS CLEVELAND (LPD 7) he was assigned to Naval Air Facilities Mildenhall, United Kingdom from 2005-2008. After completing his Bachelors of Science in Aeronautics with minors in Intelligence and Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University he commissioned from Officer Candidate School in 2008. CDR Messick’s first division officer tour was on board USS THACH (FFG 43) as the First Lieutenant, for two WESTPAC Deployments which included a surge deployment to the Middle East. His second Division Officer tour was with Maritime Security Squadron Two as Officer-in-Charge of Security Detachment Bravo, which included a deployment in support of Operation New Dawn. In 2012, he reported to Naval Special Warfare Group ONE as the Future Operations and Global Force Management Director. During his time there, he augmented the NMF directly supporting overseas contingency operations in 2013. In 2015, he deployed to Iraq and supported Operation Inherent Resolve as the Deputy of Operations for Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Iraq. After selection for Department Head, he served as the Operations Officer for USS SCOUT (MCM 8) in San Diego and then as Training Officer aboard USS BOXER (LHD 4). During the final days of a 2019 WESPAC Deployment, he was assigned to Amphibious Squadron Eleven (CPR 11), permanently embarked on the USS AMERICA (LHA 6) in Sasebo, Japan. Upon arriving to CPR 11, he was selected to fill the Operations Officer billet supporting three ARGMEU Patrols, which incorporated numerous PACFLT exercises to include unique NSW, 31st MEU, and EOD interop which directly supported the Crisis Response Force (CRF) requirements in the AO. 

On Shore, CDR Messick was ordered to COMPACFLT N8 Directorate supporting amphibious and unmanned requirements but was selected to the Commander's Action Group (CAG), filling the Post Commander Command CAG Billet. He directly supported COMPACFLT on various strategic requirements and engagements. During this time, he also completed his Masters in Aeronautics specializing in Space Studies from Embry-Riddle University. 

His current assignment is Executive Officer of Gold Crew onboard USS JOHN L. CANLEY (ESB 6) since the unit’s commissioning in February of 2024.