Jeffrey Williams

Jeffrey Williams is an American astronaut and retired United States Army colonel. He is a veteran of four spaceflight missions, including long-duration stays on the International Space Station (ISS).

Early Life and Education

Williams was born in 1958 in Superior, Wisconsin. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Science and Engineering in 1980. He later earned a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering and the Degree of Aeronautical Engineer from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 1987.

Military Career

After graduating from West Point, Williams served in the U.S. Army in various capacities, including as a helicopter pilot. He also served in the Gulf War and was awarded several military decorations, including the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal.

NASA Career

Williams was selected by NASA in 1996 as part of Astronaut Group 16. He first flew to space in 2000 aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-101, during which the crew performed maintenance on the ISS.

Williams has spent a total of 534 days in space, making him one of the most experienced American astronauts in terms of time spent off Earth. His longest single stay in space was during Expedition 48/49 in 2016, when he spent 172 days aboard the ISS.

Personal Life

Williams is married and has two adult children. He is a committed Christian and has spoken about his faith in various interviews and public appearances.

See Also

• List of astronauts by year of selection
• List of International Space Station expeditions