CDR William Burkland was born and raised in Vernal, Utah and later spent his high school years in Huntsville, Alabama. In 1997, he enlisted in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, serving various Naval Hospitals and United States Marine Corps units to include deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Electronics, applied to Officer Candidate School, and in 2008, received his commission as a Surface Warfare Officer. In 2012, he earned his master’s in business administration from Brandman University.
His most recent sea duty assignment was Executive Officer in USS SAN DIEGO (LPD 22). His previous sea duty assignments include: Main Propulsion Officer in USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (FFG 58) and Assistant Weapons Officer in USS NIMITZ (CVN 68). His Department Head Tours were Combat Systems Officer in USS BONHOMME RICHARD (LHD 6) and staff tours in Amphibious Squadron ELEVEN, forward deployed in Japan, and Destroyer Squadron FIVE-ZERO, forward deployed in Bahrain.
Ashore CDR Burkland served as Executive Officer Afloat Training Group Middle Pacific, Range Operations and Flag Aide to Commander, Joint Region Marianas Guam, and instructor duty at Surface Warfare Officer’s School.
His personal awards include Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medals, Navy Achievement Medals, Combat Action Ribbon, and various campaign and unit awards.
Last Updated: 28 August 2025