Jeffrey W. Hughes

Hughes was raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.[2] In 1988, he graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Duke University and then graduated with distinction with a M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island with full Joint Professional Military Education credit. In September 1989, he was designated a naval aviator flying MH-60R and SH-60B Seahawk helicopters.[2] He served as squadron and detachment officer with the Swamp Foxes of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 44 where he deployed on the USS Carr, the USS Elrod and the USS John Hancock in support of Strike Group deployments with the USS America and USS John F. Kennedy.[2]

In 1993, he was named HSL-44 (now HSM-74) Pilot of the Year and was the co-recipient of the Commanding Officer's Helmsman Award.[2] Hughes served as the flag lieutenant to Commander for Carrier Group 4 on all six East Coast aircraft carriers.[2] He then served as the executive officer and the 14th commanding officer of the Fighting Vipers of HSL-48 (now HSM-48).[2] In 2007, he received the Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Navy and Marine Association peer-selected leadership award.[2] He also served as the commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet.[2] In his first flag assignment, he served as the commander, Navy Recruiting Command. On July 21, 2017, he was appointed as commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 2.[2]

In March 2018, Hughes assumed command of Navy Personnel Command and became Deputy Chief of Naval Personnel.[3] On November 12, 2020, he was nominated for promotion to vice admiral[4] and assignment as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development.[5] On December 14, 2020, his nomination was confirmed by voice vote of the full U.S. Senate.[4]

His decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (three awards), and the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards).[2]

Jeff Hughes escorts President Donald Trump during his October 2017 visit to USS Kearsarge

On September 24, 2017, Hughes' command, Expeditionary Strike Group Kearsarge which included the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge and the dock landing ship USS Oak Hill along with the 2,400 marines of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, deployed off the coast of Puerto Rico to coordinate naval relief efforts after Hurricane Maria.[6][7][8][9] The ships had previously been prepositioned to the south of the island to assist in the recovery efforts once the hurricane had passed.

Media related to Jeffrey W. Hughes at Wikimedia Commons