The Rev. William Corby, C.S.C., Award - 2024: Admiral William J. Houston '90

Admiral William J. Houston '90

In recognition of his distinguished military service and leadership, the Notre Dame Alumni Association honors Admiral William J. Houston ’90 with this award. 

Admiral Houston is a native of Buffalo, New York, and a graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He was commissioned via the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) program. He also holds a Master’s of Business Administration degree from the College of William and Mary’s Mason School of Business.

His sea tours include division officer assignments on USS Phoenix (SSN 702), Engineer Officer onboard USS Hampton (SSN 767), and Executive Officer onboard USS Tennessee (SSBN 734)(B). He commanded USS Hampton (SSN 767) in San Diego and was commodore of Submarine Squadron 20 in Kings Bay, Georgia.

His shore assignments include Flag Lieutenant for Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; the Atlantic Fleet Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board; Special Assistant to the Director of Naval Reactors for Personnel and Policy; Deputy Commander for Submarine Squadron 20; the Principal Director for Nuclear Matters within the Office of the Secretary of Defense; the Submarine and Nuclear Community Manager, Military Personnel Plans and Policy (N133) and Division Director of Submarine and Nuclear Propulsion Distribution, Navy Personnel Command (PERS-42).

His Flag assignments include Deputy Director for Strategic Targeting and Nuclear Mission Planning (J5N) United States Strategic Command, Director of Operations, Naval Forces Europe-Africa Deputy Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, and Commander, Submarine Group 8, Director, Undersea Warfare Division, Office of Chief of Naval Operations (N97), Commander, Naval Submarine Forces, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, and Commander, Allied Submarine Command.

Admiral Houston assumed his duties as Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program in January 2024. He and his wife, Colleen ’90, have two daughters, Lauren and Emily ’26.

“Being recognized with the Corby Award is one of the greatest honors I have received in my more than 34 years of military service. I am humbled to be selected to represent the countless men and women who have served and continue to serve our great nation, embodying the spirit of God, Country, Notre Dame.”