Jay A. DeLoach
Encyclopedia
Rear Admiral Jay A. DeLoach (born in 1955) is Director of Naval History and Director of the Naval History and Heritage Command
and the Curator of the Navy. He was an American
submarine
officer who played a role in implementing a visionary "Memorandum of Understanding" between the Submarine Force Active component and the Reserve component. He helped pioneer many key initiatives that have since been adopted Navy-wide. DeLoach was the Assistant Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Resources, Requirements and Assessments.
to Jesse Howell DeLoach and Berta Peña, a woman from Texas
of Hispanic-American descent. DeLoach's father was a Chief Yeoman
when he met Ms Peña, who at that time (early 1950s) worked building F-102 fighters at the Convair
plant in San Diego. DeLoach's father received a commission in 1960 through the Limited Duty Officer program and as a result, the family was in a constant state of relocation, with DeLoach attending schools in various states.
DeLoach's family had a strong tradition of Naval Service. His grandfather was a Chief Machinist's Mate in the Navy and served for 23 years from 1922 to 1945. DeLoach received his first taste of what Navy life when he was a teenager and his father took him out on his minesweeper
for two weeks. This experience plus, the fact that it was his family's tradition to serve in the Navy were influential factors when in 1974 he choose to attend the United States Naval Academy
upon his graduation from First Colonial High in Virginia Beach, Virginia
.
Because of a permanent injury to his right shoulder from birth, DeLoach barely passed the entrance physical exam and medical screening to get into the Naval Academy. DeLoach passed the physical as a result of his parent's early intervention and persistent exercising of his arm. He was able to make good use of his right arm even though it only had one-third of the strength of his left arm.
.jpg)
DeLoach graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering from the Naval Academy in 1978 and commissioned an Ensign
. He entered training and service in submarines and made ten deterrent patrols on the in the Mediterranean, in the South China Sea
, and in northern Atlantic. He served as an Engineering Officer in the latter two and was awarded three Battle Efficiency 'E' awards. In 1980, he was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade and in 1983 to Lieutenant
. DeLoach, who received a spot promotion to Lieutenant Commander
in 1984, was the Sonar Transducer Branch Chief at Naval Sea Systems Command from 1987 to 1989. During this period of time DeLoach earned a Masters of Arts in Management & Supervision degree from Central Michigan University
in 1987 and in 1988 was permanently promoted to Lieutenant Commander.
and was promoted to Commander
.
DeLoach played an instrumental role in furthering the integration of the Submarine Force’s Reserve Component with the Active component into a surge-ready force. Under DeLoach's direction, the Submarine Force’s Reserve Component has continued to lead this transformation to the new model of warfighting wholeness. DeLoach's role in implementing a visionary Memorandum of Understanding between the Submarine Force Active component and the Reserve component is considered to have pioneered many key initiatives that have since been adopted Navy-wide.
On February 25, 2003, then Captain DeLoach was nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half) while serving as commanding officer, Naval Reserve, commander, Seventh Fleet Detachment 111, Fort Worth, Texas. That same year he earned a Masters of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies form the Naval War College
. On September 3, DeLoach was promoted to Rear Admiral in a ceremony held at the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C.
DeLoach was contacted by the Director of Naval Research, RADM Jay Cohen, to help search for the USS Alligator
that went down in a storm off the coast of North Carolina
in 1863, close to where the USS Monitor
went down. Using a variety of remote sensing instruments, researchers from NOAA, the Office of Naval Research, and East Carolina University conducted the first comprehensive hunt for lost Civil War vessel. The USS Alligator was the first submarine built during the Civil War
by the Union Navy
. The Navy wanted such a vessel to counter the threat posed to its wooden-hulled blockaders by the former screw frigate Merrimack
which, according to intelligence reports, the Norfolk Navy Yard was rebuilding as an ironclad ram for the Confederacy (the CSS Virginia). The search's main objective in locating the vessel is to educate the Submarine Force and Navy in general that their undersea heritage actually started back in the Civil War era.
The Director of Naval History (N09BH), under the direction of the Director, Navy Staff (N09B), is the primary official in the Navy Department responsible for protecting the Navy's material culture and for preserving, interpreting, and disseminating the intellectual legacy of the naval service. The Director carries out the following functions:
DeLoach previously worked for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board in Washington, D.C.. He is also an adjunct professor teaching one night a week for the Naval War College.
He has been the motivational keynote speaker in various Hispanic related conferences. Among them the recently held Society of Mexican American Engineers and Scientists, Inc. 18th Annual National Leadership Conference held at the University of Texas in El Paso, Texas
.
DeLoach has actively participated with UBPN (United Brachial Plexus Network) Camp 2007 in Auburn, Washington as an invited speaker and together with his wife as donors. He resides in Herndon, Virginia
with his wife Jodi whom he met in 1978 at a dance at the Naval Academy. They have two grown daughters, Jessica and Jaclyn.
Badges:
and the Curator of the Navy. He was an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
submarine
Submarine
A submarine is a watercraft capable of independent operation below the surface of the water. It differs from a submersible, which has more limited underwater capability...
officer who played a role in implementing a visionary "Memorandum of Understanding" between the Submarine Force Active component and the Reserve component. He helped pioneer many key initiatives that have since been adopted Navy-wide. DeLoach was the Assistant Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Resources, Requirements and Assessments.
Early years
DeLoach was born in San Diego, CaliforniaSan Diego, California
San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
to Jesse Howell DeLoach and Berta Peña, a woman from Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
of Hispanic-American descent. DeLoach's father was a Chief Yeoman
Yeoman
Yeoman refers chiefly to a free man owning his own farm, especially from the Elizabethan era to the 17th century. Work requiring a great deal of effort or labor, such as would be done by a yeoman farmer, came to be described as "yeoman's work"...
when he met Ms Peña, who at that time (early 1950s) worked building F-102 fighters at the Convair
Convair
Convair was an American aircraft manufacturing company which later expanded into rockets and spacecraft. The company was formed in 1943 by the merger of Vultee Aircraft and Consolidated Aircraft, and went on to produce a number of pioneering aircraft, such as the Convair B-36 bomber, and the F-102...
plant in San Diego. DeLoach's father received a commission in 1960 through the Limited Duty Officer program and as a result, the family was in a constant state of relocation, with DeLoach attending schools in various states.
DeLoach's family had a strong tradition of Naval Service. His grandfather was a Chief Machinist's Mate in the Navy and served for 23 years from 1922 to 1945. DeLoach received his first taste of what Navy life when he was a teenager and his father took him out on his minesweeper
Minesweeper (ship)
A minesweeper is a small naval warship designed to counter the threat posed by naval mines. Minesweepers generally detect then neutralize mines in advance of other naval operations.-History:...
for two weeks. This experience plus, the fact that it was his family's tradition to serve in the Navy were influential factors when in 1974 he choose to attend the United States Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
upon his graduation from First Colonial High in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach is an independent city located in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of Virginia, on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay...
.
Because of a permanent injury to his right shoulder from birth, DeLoach barely passed the entrance physical exam and medical screening to get into the Naval Academy. DeLoach passed the physical as a result of his parent's early intervention and persistent exercising of his arm. He was able to make good use of his right arm even though it only had one-third of the strength of his left arm.
Military career
Ensign
An ensign is a national flag when used at sea, in vexillology, or a distinguishing token, emblem, or badge, such as a symbol of office in heraldry...
. He entered training and service in submarines and made ten deterrent patrols on the in the Mediterranean, in the South China Sea
South China Sea
The South China Sea is a marginal sea that is part of the Pacific Ocean, encompassing an area from the Singapore and Malacca Straits to the Strait of Taiwan of around...
, and in northern Atlantic. He served as an Engineering Officer in the latter two and was awarded three Battle Efficiency 'E' awards. In 1980, he was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade and in 1983 to Lieutenant
Lieutenant
A lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer in many nations' armed forces. Typically, the rank of lieutenant in naval usage, while still a junior officer rank, is senior to the army rank...
. DeLoach, who received a spot promotion to Lieutenant Commander
Lieutenant Commander
Lieutenant Commander is a commissioned officer rank in many navies. The rank is superior to a lieutenant and subordinate to a commander...
in 1984, was the Sonar Transducer Branch Chief at Naval Sea Systems Command from 1987 to 1989. During this period of time DeLoach earned a Masters of Arts in Management & Supervision degree from Central Michigan University
Central Michigan University
Central Michigan University is a public research university located in Mount Pleasant in the U.S. state of Michigan...
in 1987 and in 1988 was permanently promoted to Lieutenant Commander.
Navy Reserve
After his active duty tours, DeLoach continued his service with the Navy Reserve. Amongst his assignments were Naval Intelligence, OPNAV N87 Submarine Warfare staff, Navy Recruiting, Commander 7th Fleet staff, and Naval Sea Systems Command Inspector General. He served as the Reserve Force Director for 44 reserve units reporting to the Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet and as the Commanding Officer of NR COMSEVENTHFLT Detachment 111. He was also the commanding officer of the Submarine Squadron SIX reserve detachment, and the OPNAV Detachment Site-R. Among the various awards which his units received under his command are the Captain Leo V. Bilger Award for excellence in mission effectiveness and a CNO Letter of Commendation. He completed two extended active duty assignments with the Joint Staff J7 working on Joint Doctrine and Professional Military Education initiatives. In 1993, DeLoach earned a Masters of Engineering in Nuclear Engineering from the University of VirginiaUniversity of Virginia
The University of Virginia is a public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States, founded by Thomas Jefferson...
and was promoted to Commander
Commander
Commander is a naval rank which is also sometimes used as a military title depending on the individual customs of a given military service. Commander is also used as a rank or title in some organizations outside of the armed forces, particularly in police and law enforcement.-Commander as a naval...
.
DeLoach played an instrumental role in furthering the integration of the Submarine Force’s Reserve Component with the Active component into a surge-ready force. Under DeLoach's direction, the Submarine Force’s Reserve Component has continued to lead this transformation to the new model of warfighting wholeness. DeLoach's role in implementing a visionary Memorandum of Understanding between the Submarine Force Active component and the Reserve component is considered to have pioneered many key initiatives that have since been adopted Navy-wide.
On February 25, 2003, then Captain DeLoach was nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half) while serving as commanding officer, Naval Reserve, commander, Seventh Fleet Detachment 111, Fort Worth, Texas. That same year he earned a Masters of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies form the Naval War College
Naval War College
The Naval War College is an education and research institution of the United States Navy that specializes in developing ideas for naval warfare and passing them along to officers of the Navy. The college is located on the grounds of Naval Station Newport in Newport, Rhode Island...
. On September 3, DeLoach was promoted to Rear Admiral in a ceremony held at the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
Search for the USS Alligator
USS Alligator (1862)
The fourth United States Navy ship called Alligator is the first known U.S. Navy submarine, and was active during the American Civil War. The first American submarine, built in the Revolutionary War era, was the Turtle; however, this craft never served in the U.S...
that went down in a storm off the coast of North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
in 1863, close to where the USS Monitor
USS Monitor
USS Monitor was the first ironclad warship commissioned by the United States Navy during the American Civil War. She is most famous for her participation in the Battle of Hampton Roads on March 9, 1862, the first-ever battle fought between two ironclads...
went down. Using a variety of remote sensing instruments, researchers from NOAA, the Office of Naval Research, and East Carolina University conducted the first comprehensive hunt for lost Civil War vessel. The USS Alligator was the first submarine built during the Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
by the Union Navy
Union Navy
The Union Navy is the label applied to the United States Navy during the American Civil War, to contrast it from its direct opponent, the Confederate States Navy...
. The Navy wanted such a vessel to counter the threat posed to its wooden-hulled blockaders by the former screw frigate Merrimack
USS Merrimack (1855)
USS Merrimack was a frigate and sailing vessel of the United States Navy, best known as the hull upon which the ironclad warship, CSS Virginia was constructed during the American Civil War...
which, according to intelligence reports, the Norfolk Navy Yard was rebuilding as an ironclad ram for the Confederacy (the CSS Virginia). The search's main objective in locating the vessel is to educate the Submarine Force and Navy in general that their undersea heritage actually started back in the Civil War era.
Last assignment
DeLoach was the Assistant Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Resources, Requirements and Assessments. Among his responsibilities was to support the development, management, and execution of the Navy's budget and shipbuilding/weapon system programs. DeLoach retired from the Navy on August 25, 2007, after 33 years of service.Director of Naval History
On June 23, 2008, DeLoach became the 12th Director of Naval History.The Director of Naval History (N09BH), under the direction of the Director, Navy Staff (N09B), is the primary official in the Navy Department responsible for protecting the Navy's material culture and for preserving, interpreting, and disseminating the intellectual legacy of the naval service. The Director carries out the following functions:
- Coordinates historical and archival activities throughout the Navy.
- Serves as chief historical advisor to fleet commanders and other operational Navy commanders.
- Deploys historical documentation teams to fleet units and Navy commands to record and document the history of current naval operations during wartime, declared national emergency, or as directed.
- Encourages naval historical research and provides historical information services.
- Serves as program sponsor and technical manager for Selected Reservists assigned to the Naval Historical Center and combat operations documentation teams.
- Sponsors the Secretary of the Navy's Advisory Subcommittee on Naval History.
- Serves as Curator for the Navy.
- Serves as immediate superior NHC Detachment Boston (USS Constitution Maintenance and Repair Facility).
- Publishes Naval Aviation News magazine.
- Provides overall policy regarding the ship model program to Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command; Commanding Officer, Naval Surface Warfare Command; and Curator of Ship Models acting as liaison between the Curator of Ship Models and the Chief of Naval Operations for budgetary and policy matters.
- Serves as Coordinator for the U.S. Navy's museum program.
- Serves as Director of the Naval History & Heritage Command.
Personal
He was selected to Who's Who in Executives and Professionals for 2002, 2003, and 2004. He is a member of several professional societies, including the Association of Naval Service Officers, Reserve Officer Association, U.S. Naval Institute, and Naval Submarine League.DeLoach previously worked for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board in Washington, D.C.. He is also an adjunct professor teaching one night a week for the Naval War College.
He has been the motivational keynote speaker in various Hispanic related conferences. Among them the recently held Society of Mexican American Engineers and Scientists, Inc. 18th Annual National Leadership Conference held at the University of Texas in El Paso, Texas
El Paso, Texas
El Paso, is a city in and the county seat of El Paso County, Texas, United States, and lies in far West Texas. In the 2010 census, the city had a population of 649,121. It is the sixth largest city in Texas and the 19th largest city in the United States...
.
DeLoach has actively participated with UBPN (United Brachial Plexus Network) Camp 2007 in Auburn, Washington as an invited speaker and together with his wife as donors. He resides in Herndon, Virginia
Herndon, Virginia
Herndon is a town in Fairfax County, Virginia, in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area of the United States. The population was 21,655 at the 2000 census, which makes it the largest of three towns in the county.-History:...
with his wife Jodi whom he met in 1978 at a dance at the Naval Academy. They have two grown daughters, Jessica and Jaclyn.
Awards and decorations
Among Rear Admiral Deloach's military decorations are the following:
Legion of MeritLegion of MeritThe Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
Defense Meritorious Service MedalDefense Meritorious Service MedalThe Defense Meritorious Service Medal is the third-highest award bestowed upon members of the United States military by the United States Department of Defense...
Meritorious Service MedalMeritorious Service Medal (United States)The Meritorious Service Medal is a military decoration presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States subsequent to January 16, 1969...
(2)
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Navy Commendation Medal (3)
Navy Achievement Medal (3)
Joint Meritorious Unit Citation
Meritorious Unit CommendationMeritorious Unit CommendationThe Meritorious Unit Commendation is a mid-level unit award of the United States military which is awarded to any military command which displays exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions....
(3)
Battle Efficiency "E" (3)
Navy Recruiting RibbonRecruiting Service RibbonThe Recruiting Service Ribbon is a military award of the United States Armed Forces which is issued by every branch of service with the exception of the United States Army...
Foreign Overseas Ribbon
Sea Service Ribbon
GWOT Service MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalThe Global War on Terrorism Service Medal is a military award of the United States military which was created by Executive Order 13289 of President George W. Bush on March 12, 2003...
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service MedalMilitary Outstanding Volunteer Service MedalThe Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal is a military award which was created under Executive Order 12830 by George H. W. Bush on January 9, 1993...
National Defense Service MedalNational Defense Service MedalThe National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower...
(3)
Badges:
- SSBN Deterrent patrol pinSSBN Deterrent Patrol insigniaThe SSBN Deterrent Patrol Insignia is a uniform breast pin worn by officers and men of the United States Navy's submarine service who have completed strategic deterrent patrols in nuclear ballistic missile submarines...
(10 stars) 
Joint Staff badgeOffice of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification BadgeThe Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge is a U.S. Military badge presented to the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff upon appointment to position as either a Service Head, Vice Chairman, or Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The decoration is also authorized to staff and...- Shore Command pin
- Navy Recruiting Gold Wreath for Recruiting ExcellenceRecruiter BadgeThe Recruiter Badge is a decoration of the United States military which is awarded to those personnel who have performed recruitment duty as military recruiters to the United States Armed Forces. The Recruiter Badge is issued by every branch of military except for the United States Marine Corps...
with 5 stars
See also
- Hispanic Admirals in the United States NavyHispanic Admirals in the United States NavyHispanic Admirals in the United States Navy can trace their tradition of naval military service to the Hispanic sailors, who have served in the Navy during every war and conflict since the American Revolution. Prior to the Civil War, the highest rank reached by a Hispanic-American in the U.S. Navy...
- Hispanics in the United States NavyHispanics in the United States NavyHispanics in the United States Navy can trace their tradition of naval military service to men such as Lieutenant Jorge Farragut Mesquida, who served in the American Revolution. Hispanics, such as Seaman Philip Bazaar and Seaman John Ortega, have distinguished themselves in combat and have been...
- Hispanics in the United States Naval AcademyHispanics in the United States Naval AcademyHispanics in the United States Naval Academy account for the largest minority group in the institution. According to the Academy, the Class of 2009 includes 271 minority midshipmen. Out of these 271 midshipmen, 115 are of Hispanic heritage...
External links
- Naval History & Heritage Command
- Naval Historical Foundation
- National Museum of the U.S. Navy
- Hampton Roads Naval Museum
- Great Lakes Naval Museum
- National Naval Aviation Museum
- Naval Museum of Armament and Technology
- Naval Undersea Museum
- Naval War College Museum
- Puget Sound Navy Museum
- Patuxent River Naval Air Museum
- U.S. Navy Seabee Museum
- Submarine Force Library & Museum
- U.S. Naval Academy Museum
- Navy Art Collection
- USS Constitution "Old Ironsides"