The Will family has been part of the U.S. Navy’s submarine history for 100 years, spanning four generations. The recent addition to the lineage, Lt. Adam Will, received a gold-plated dolphin insignia that has been passed down in the family and bears witness to major conflicts and events. The family has contributed to critical naval moments from World War II to the transition from diesel to nuclear-powered ships. Lt. Adam Will is possibly the only fourth-generation submariner in the U.S. Navy.
Key Points:
- The Will family has been involved in the U.S. Navy’s submarine history for a century, covering major events from World War II to Iraq. The gold-plated dolphins, a submariner insignia, have been passed down through four generations.
- Lt. Adam Will, the latest member of the family to join the submarine force, received the dolphins in May 2021, potentially making him the only fourth-generation submariner.
- The first member of the family to join was John Will Sr., one of the Navy’s earliest submarine officers, with his commission dating back to 1923.
- Each generation of the Will family has played significant roles in the Navy, from commanding ships and divisions to spearheading research and development in the submarine sector.
- Despite the deep-rooted naval history in their family, joining the military was never enforced on the younger generations. It remains to be seen whether the legacy will continue for a fifth generation.
