Command Master Chief James A. Hayes III
Command Master Chief, Commander Destroyer Squadron Two
24 January 2025
Master Chief Hayes is a native of Houston, TX and enlisted in the United States Navy in August 1997 as a Culinary Specialist.
During his time as a Culinary Specialist, he served onboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71), JEB Pearl Harbor, HI, USS O’BANNON (DD 987), USNSE Larisa, Greece, MCM Crew Reaper, NRD Houston, USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65), USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75), JEB Little Creek-Ft Story (Selected to join INSURV Team to inspect four CVNs, one LHA, one DDG and one CG), USS JAMES E. WILLIAMS (DDG 95), USS KEARSARGE (LHD 3), Commander Naval Supply System Command Mech, PA as Fleet Culinary Specialist.
Following selection as a Command Master Chief, he has served onboard USS PAUL H. NITZE (DDG 94) and is currently serving at Commander Destroyer Squadron TWO.
He completed CMC/COB Course in May 2022 and Advance CMC Course July 2024. He has an Associate Degree in Business Administration from American Intercontinental University with Honors.
Master Chief Hayes is a recipient of various personal and campaign awards including the Meritorious Service Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6), Good Conduct Medal (8). He is qualified to wear the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) and Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS).