Command Master Chief
Office of Naval Intelligence
Master Chief Thomas Hayden reported to the Office of Naval Intelligence as command master chief in September 2020. Prior to his current assignment he served as command master chief for Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic (NCTAMS LANT).
Hayden enlisted in the Navy in September 1993 and attended basic training at Recruit Training Center, Great Lakes, Ill. Following basic training he attended Firecontrolman “A” school with follow-on orders to Dam Neck, Va., to attend MK 92 Mod 2 “C” school. He was subsequently assigned to USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) from July 1995 to July 2000.
Hayden next served as an instructor at Surface Warfare Officer School (SWOS) in Newport, R.I., from September 2000 through October 2003, where he was group supervisor for the frigate trainer and earned his Master Training Specialist (MTS) certification. Hayden’s next tour was aboard USS Nicholas (FFG 47) where he advanced to chief petty officer and served as leading chief petty officer (LCPO) of CF Division from September 2005 to April 2007.
From May 2007 to April 2010 Hayden was assigned to Afloat Training Group (ATG) Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., as the lead MK92 instructor for Navy and Coast Guard missions. He earned his Afloat Training Specialist (ATS) certification, an associate degree in science from Excelsior College, and was selected senior chief petty officer during this tour.
From October 2010 to August 2013 he was assigned to USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) as weapons department LCPO. He also assumed the duties of senior enlisted watchbill coordinator and surface warfare coordinator. He was selected into the command senior chief program in February 2013 and advanced to master chief petty officer in May 2013. He then converted to the command master chief program in June 2013, graduated from Command Leadership School in August of 2013, and graduated with academic honors from the Senior Enlisted Academy in October 2013. He then completed his Bachelor of Science degree from Excelsior College in January 2014.
Following his assignment aboard USS Oscar Austin, Haden was selected as command master chief of Helicopter to Sea Combat Squadron Seven (HSC-7), the “Dusty Dogs,” where he served from February 2014 until May 2016. His next tour was as CMC for Naval Support Activity Washington, “Quarterdeck of the Navy,” from June 2018 to September 2020. During this tour he earned his Master of Science in criminal justice from Excelsior College.
His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), and Good Conduct Medal (eight awards), as well as various unit awards, campaign and service decorations.
Hayden is a native of Rockingham, North Carolina, and a graduate of Richmond Senior High School.