Colonel Russell Williams, Wing Commander of Canadian Forces Base Trenton, is pictured in this September 20, 2009 handout photo. Williams has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, Ontario Provincial Police said February 8, 2010. Picture taken September 20, 2009. REUTERS/HO

Col. Russ Williams enrolled in the Canadian Forces in 1987, after obtaining an economic and political science degree from the University of Toronto.

After receiving his wings in 1990, Williams was posted to 434 (combat support) Squadron in Shearwater, NS where he flew the CC144 Challenger. Later he was posted to 412 Transport Squadron in Ottawa where he continued to fly the Challenger, this time in the VIP transport role.

From August 2003 to 2004, Williams obtained a Master of defence studies from the Royal Military College.

Following a promotion to lieutenant-colonel in June 2004, he was appointed commanding officer of 437 Transport Squadron. He held the post for two years, serving for six months as commanding officer, Theatre Support Element at camp mirage.

In 2006, Williams was posted to the Directorate of Air Requirements where he served as project director for the airlift capability projects.