Captain William Flemming Barns graduated from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and was commissioned in 1975 through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps. At sea, he served as a Division Officer in USS CONCORD (AFS 5), as a Department Head in the commissioning crew of USS JACK WILLIAMS (FFG 24), as Operations Officer in USS SAMPSON (DDG 10), and as Executive Officer in USS ROBERT G. BRADLEY (FFG 49). He commanded USS EXPLOIT (MSO 440), USS ADROIT (MSO 509), USS THACH (FFG 43) and USS ANZIO (CG 68). In addition to deployments to the Mediterranean and Western Pacific, he participated in Operations URGENT FURY, EARNEST WILL, DESERT STORM and SOUTHERN WATCH along with several multi-lateral exercises including Baltic Operations 2001.

Captain Barns was awarded a Master of Arts degree in National Security Affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. His other assignments ashore include duty as a Surface Warfare Assignment Officer and the Shore Coordinator at the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Executive Assistant for Department Head Training at Surface Warfare Officers School Command and Chief, Exercise Division, Operations Directorate (CCJ-3) U.S. Central Command. He is also a graduate of the Joint and Combined War-fighting School, Armed Forces Staff College.

Captain Barns assumed duty as Deputy Commander, Regional Support Group Norfolk in September 2001.

Captain Barns' personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal (with Combat Distinguishing Device), the Meritorious Service Medal (with four gold stars) and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.