Ronald David Williams joined the Royal New Zealand Navy in 1947. During 1947 he served on HMNZS Philomel, Tamaki, & Bellona. During 1949 RD Williams trained for his seman's certificate aboard HMNZS Kiwi. He was discharged but then re-engaged. During the Korean War he served aboard HMNZS Taupo - he was away for 15 months during 1950-1951, serving in in Korea, and in Japan for refueling. He subsequently served aboard Philomel and until his discharge from service with the Navy in 1953.

Ref. incident during Korean War : there was a scrap at Yang-do, resulting in a near-mutiny on board. Consequently they didn't receive a full welcome back in NZ but stayed overnight off Kawau and snuck into Devonport early morning. RD Williams left the navy to join the air force & later took up employment top-dressing, driving mobile cranes, etc