Ronald J. Hays
Encyclopedia
Ronald Jackson Hays is a retired United States Navy
four star admiral who served as Vice Chief of Naval Operations
(VCNO) from 1983 to 1985; and as Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Command
(USCINCPAC) from 1985 to 1988.
Admiral Hays grew up in Urania, Louisiana
, a sawmill town which was owned "lock, stock, and barrel" by the Q.T. Hardtner family. In high school, "Happy" Hays worked as the butcher's assistant in the company store. There, Mr. Hardtner took notice and succeeded in gaining a U.S Naval Academy congressional appointment for "Happy."
Hays graduated from the United States Naval Academy
in 1950 and served on a destroyer for one year prior to commencing flight training
. After a series of operational aviation assignments, including a tour as an experimental test pilot and two combat tours in Vietnam
flying the all weather attack A-6A Intruder
, he was ordered in 1969 to the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., for duty on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations.
Between 1969 and 1988 his career path was divided between fleet aviation assignments and resource management positions in the Pentagon. During this period significant assignments included:
As Commander in Chief Pacific Forces, Admiral Hays commanded all U.S. military forces in the Pacific Theater. He retired from military service in October 1988 and entered the commercial world as a director on several boards, including civic and non-profit organizations. He also served as a consultant for the Parsons Corporation, a global engineering firm.
Admiral Hays is a graduate of the Naval War College
, Newport, Rhode Island; Test Pilot School, Patuxent River, Maryland; Federal Executive Institute
, University of Virginia; and Flight Safety School, University of California.
A Doctorate of Humanities title was awarded him by Northwestern State University
, Natchitoches, Louisiana
. In 2005, he was honored as a Distinguished Graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. He was recognized as a Distinguished Eagle Scout
.
Recognition for his military service includes the Navy Distinguished Service Medal
(3 awards), Silver Star
(3 awards), Distinguished Flying Cross
(6 awards), Bronze Star with Valor device
; Air Medal
with Strike/Flight numerals
, and the Navy Commendation Medal with Valor device.
He also received personal awards from the heads of government of Korea, Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines and the Gray Eagle Award
.
His current work is the development of the Pacific Aviation Museum
in historic Pearl Harbor, of which he is Chairman of the Board.
Admiral Hays is one of the senior signatories of the March 31, 2009, letter urging the president to maintain the policy excluding homosexuals from the armed forces.
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
four star admiral who served as Vice Chief of Naval Operations
Vice Chief of Naval Operations
The Vice Chief of Naval Operations is the second highest ranking officer in the United States Navy. In the event that the Chief of Naval Operations is absent or is unable to perform his duties, the VCNO assumes the duties and responsibilities of the CNO. The VCNO may also perform other duties...
(VCNO) from 1983 to 1985; and as Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Command
United States Pacific Command
The United States Pacific Command is a Unified Combatant Command of the United States armed forces responsible for the Pacific Ocean area. It is led by the Commander, Pacific Command , who is the supreme military authority for the various branches of the Armed Forces of the United States serving...
(USCINCPAC) from 1985 to 1988.
Admiral Hays grew up in Urania, Louisiana
Urania, Louisiana
Urania is a town in La Salle Parish, Louisiana in the United States. The population was 700 at the 2000 census.Urania was established in the late 1890s by lumbering magnate Henry E...
, a sawmill town which was owned "lock, stock, and barrel" by the Q.T. Hardtner family. In high school, "Happy" Hays worked as the butcher's assistant in the company store. There, Mr. Hardtner took notice and succeeded in gaining a U.S Naval Academy congressional appointment for "Happy."
Hays graduated from 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...
in 1950 and served on a destroyer for one year prior to commencing flight training
United States Naval Aviator
A United States Naval Aviator is a qualified pilot in the United States Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard.-Naming Conventions:Most Naval Aviators are Unrestricted Line Officers; however, a small number of Limited Duty Officers and Chief Warrant Officers are also trained as Naval Aviators.Until 1981...
. After a series of operational aviation assignments, including a tour as an experimental test pilot and two combat tours in Vietnam
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
flying the all weather attack A-6A Intruder
A-6 Intruder
The Grumman A-6 Intruder was an American, twin jet-engine, mid-wing attack aircraft built by Grumman Aerospace. In service with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps between 1963 and 1997, the Intruder was designed as an all-weather medium attack aircraft to replace the piston-engined A-1 Skyraider...
, he was ordered in 1969 to the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., for duty on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations.
Between 1969 and 1988 his career path was divided between fleet aviation assignments and resource management positions in the Pentagon. During this period significant assignments included:
- Commanding Officer, Roosevelt Roads Naval StationRoosevelt Roads Naval StationRoosevelt Roads Naval Station is a former United States military air base in the town of Ceiba, Puerto Rico. The site is run today as José Aponte de la Torre Airport, a public use airport.-History:...
, Puerto Rico - Director, Navy Program Planning
- Commander, Carrier Group Four
- Director, Office of Program Appraisal
- Deputy Commander in Chief, Atlantic Forces
- Commander in Chief, U.S. Naval Forces EuropeUnited States Naval Forces EuropeUnited States Naval Forces Europe is the United States Navy component of the United States European Command and provides forces for United States African Command....
- Vice Chief of Naval Operations
- Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Forces
As Commander in Chief Pacific Forces, Admiral Hays commanded all U.S. military forces in the Pacific Theater. He retired from military service in October 1988 and entered the commercial world as a director on several boards, including civic and non-profit organizations. He also served as a consultant for the Parsons Corporation, a global engineering firm.
Admiral Hays is a graduate of 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...
, Newport, Rhode Island; Test Pilot School, Patuxent River, Maryland; Federal Executive Institute
Federal Executive Institute
The Federal Executive Institute is an executive and management development and training center for governmental leaders located on a campus near the center of Charlottesville, Virginia, less than a mile from University of Virginia....
, University of Virginia; and Flight Safety School, University of California.
A Doctorate of Humanities title was awarded him by Northwestern State University
Northwestern State University
Northwestern State University, known as NSU, is a four-year public university primarily situated in Natchitoches, Louisiana, with a nursing campus in Shreveport and general campuses in Leesville/Fort Polk and Alexandria. It is a part of the University of Louisiana System.NSU was founded in 1884 as...
, Natchitoches, Louisiana
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Natchitoches is a city in and the parish seat of Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, United States. Established in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St. Denis as part of French Louisiana, the community was named after the Natchitoches Indian tribe. The City of Natchitoches was first incorporated on February...
. In 2005, he was honored as a Distinguished Graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. He was recognized as a Distinguished Eagle Scout
Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America)
Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America . A Scout who attains this rank is called an Eagle Scout or Eagle. Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than 2 million young men...
.
Recognition for his military service includes the Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which was first created in 1919. The decoration is the Navy and Marine Corps equivalent to the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Coast...
(3 awards), Silver Star
Silver Star
The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
(3 awards), Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a medal awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918." The...
(6 awards), Bronze Star with Valor device
Valor device
The Valor device is an award of the United States military which is a bronze attachment to certain medals to indicate that it was received for valor...
; Air Medal
Air Medal
The Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States. The award was created in 1942, and is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.-Criteria:...
with Strike/Flight numerals
Strike/Flight numerals
Strike/Flight numerals are decorations of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps which are displayed on the Air Medal to denote the total number of Strike/Flight awards. Strike/Flight numerals are Arabic numerals five-sixteenths of an inch in height....
, and the Navy Commendation Medal with Valor device.
He also received personal awards from the heads of government of Korea, Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines and the Gray Eagle Award
Gray Eagle Award
The Gray Eagle Award is presented to the Naval Aviator on continuous active duty in U.S. Navy or Marine Corps who has held that designation for the longest period of time....
.
His current work is the development of the Pacific Aviation Museum
Pacific Aviation Museum
The Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor is located on Ford Island, located in the middle of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The museum site occupies of the island...
in historic Pearl Harbor, of which he is Chairman of the Board.
Admiral Hays is one of the senior signatories of the March 31, 2009, letter urging the president to maintain the policy excluding homosexuals from the armed forces.
Military Awards
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| Naval Aviator Badge | ||||||||
| Navy Distinguished Service Medal Navy Distinguished Service Medal The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which was first created in 1919. The decoration is the Navy and Marine Corps equivalent to the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Coast... w/ 2 award star Award star An award star is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in lieu of multiple awards of the same award. An award star is very similar to an oak leaf cluster, which serves the same purpose in the United States Army and United States Air Force... s |
Silver Star Silver Star The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy.... w/ 2 award star Award star An award star is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in lieu of multiple awards of the same award. An award star is very similar to an oak leaf cluster, which serves the same purpose in the United States Army and United States Air Force... s |
Legion of Merit Legion of Merit The 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... |
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| Distinguished Flying Cross Distinguished Flying Cross The Distinguished Flying Cross may refer to:*Distinguished Flying Cross , including Commonwealth countries*Distinguished Flying Cross... w/ 5 award star Award star An award star is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in lieu of multiple awards of the same award. An award star is very similar to an oak leaf cluster, which serves the same purpose in the United States Army and United States Air Force... s |
Bronze Star w/Valor Device Valor device The Valor device is an award of the United States military which is a bronze attachment to certain medals to indicate that it was received for valor... |
Air Medal Air Medal The Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States. The award was created in 1942, and is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.-Criteria:... 3 personal and 14 Strike/Flight |
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| Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/Valor Device Valor device The Valor device is an award of the United States military which is a bronze attachment to certain medals to indicate that it was received for valor... and 1 award star Award star An award star is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in lieu of multiple awards of the same award. An award star is very similar to an oak leaf cluster, which serves the same purpose in the United States Army and United States Air Force... |
Navy Unit Commendation Navy Unit Commendation The Navy Unit Commendation of the United States Navy is an award that was established by order of the Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal on 18 December 1944... w/ 2 service star Service star A service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a United States military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service... s |
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation | ||||||
| World War II Victory Medal World War II Victory Medal The World War II Victory Medal is a decoration of the United States military which was created by an act of Congress in July 1945. The decoration commemorates military service during World War II and is awarded to any member of the United States military, including members of the armed forces of... |
Navy Occupation Medal | National Defense Service Medal National Defense Service Medal The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower... w/ 1 service star Service star A service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a United States military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service... |
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| Korea Service Medal | Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal The Vietnam Service Medal is a military award which was created in 1965 by order of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The distinctive design was the creation of sculptor Thomas Hudson Jones, a former employee of the Army Institute of Heraldry. The medal is issued to recognize military service during... w/ 5 campaign stars |
Korea Presidential Unit Citation | ||||||
| Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation w/ 2 service star Service star A service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a United States military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service... s |
United Nations Korea Medal | Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal The Vietnam Campaign Medal is a military recognition awarded by the Republic of Vietnam, , to any member of the United States, Australian, New Zealand and allied military forces serving six months or more in support of Republic of Vietnam military operations.Established in 1966, the decoration is... |
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