William George McDonald

Chair Joint Military Operations Department
William McDonald faculty photo

Biography

William McDonald is Maritime Administration (MARAD) Liaison Officer and Emory S. Land (ESL) Chair at the U.S. Naval War College, where he serves as professor of Joint Military Operations. An NWC graduate, he was director of sealift support for MARAD from 2015 to 2020 and a senior advisor to the U.S. State Department in Iraq from 2007 to 2009. A native of New York, he served with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. He is a former director of corporate communications for Motorola’s Symbol Technologies subsidiary and has held management positions with Northrop-Grumman and other firms, and various editorial positions. He earned a B.A. in journalism from Oklahoma City University.

Areas of Expertise

  • A2/AD
  • China
  • Iraq
  • Joint Operations
  • Maritime Strategy
  • Operational Warfare
  • Taiwan
  • Vietnam War

Professional Highlights

2023

Expand ESL Chair Activities

Exploring expanded opportunities for ESL activity, including invitations to major MARAD speakers to address the NWC student body and confer with NWC leadership, as well as new course materials on emerging issues related to the deployment and sustainment of U.S. forces.
2022

Emory S. Land (ESL) Chair for Merchant Marine Affairs

Engaged with NWC faculty block leads/session POCs to expand faculty awareness and session content relating to the role of Strategic Sealift and port operations in the design and execution of campaigns and major operations. Continued work as JMO full professor and ESL elective instruction.
2021

Rejoined U.S. Naval War College Faculty

Exploring expanded opportunities for ESL activity, including invitations to major MARAD speakers to address the NWC student body and confer with NWC leadership, as well as new course materials on emerging issues related to the deployment and sustainment of U.S. forces.

Education

M.A., U.S. Naval War College, National Security and Strategic Studies

B.A., Oklahoma City University, Journalism

U.S. Department of State Foreign Service Institute – Iraq School

Related Credentials

Editorial Positions Held:

Marine Log
Editor

World Ports
Managing Editor

Aviation Week and Space Technology
Copy Editor

Pelham (New York) Sun
General News Reporter

Oklahoma City Times
General News Reporter

Research Contributions and Publications

Authored dozens of articles and papers on maritime, port, and legislative topics, appearing in such publications as U.S. Naval Proceedings and Seapower. Academic writings include U.S. Naval War College Moderator Guides and course readings on Maritime Trade Warfare, among other topics. Extensive briefs, white papers, presentations on emerging operational challenges and the restoration of U.S. commercial sea power and global intermodal reach.

Awards and Decorations

U.S. Embassy, Baghdad Certificate of Service
2009

Iraq Ministry of Transportation Award
2009

Republic of Iraq Transportation Achievement Medal
2008

U.S. Secretary of Transportation War on Terrorism Award
2005, 2008

United Technologies Corporate Excellence Award

Nutmegger Award from Business Press Advertising Association

Matrix Award from Women in Communications, Inc.

External Memberships and Associations

Navy League of the United States
Former Vice President, Empire Region

United Nations International Photographic Council
Past Member, Board of Directors

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