Rear Admiral Hayden is a native of Cecilia, Kentucky and is a 1992 graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree. He received his commission via the Navy Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program in August 1992. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Franklin University and a Six Sigma Black Belt from Villanova University.

He served on active duty aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 72) and Naval Special Warfare Group 3. He held command of Naval Special Warfare Logistics Support Unit 1; Defense Logistics Agency, Logistics Assistance Team Columbus, Ohio; Navy Cargo Handling Battalion 10; Navy Reserve (NR) Naval Supply Systems Command, Global Logistics Support Headquarters; and NR Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Logistics Readiness Center Headquarters 120. In his first flag role, he served as Reserve director (N4R), logistics, fleet supply and ordnance, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Hayden mobilized in 2001 with Commander, Naval Air Forces Command, San Diego, California, assessing the logistics pipeline for the Navy’s top weapon system platform, the F/A-18 Hornet to support Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan; deployed to the Middle East in 2008 as deputy director of current operations, U.S. Central Command Deployment and Distribution Operations Center; and in 2012 as deputy group commander, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group Forward. He reported to U.S. Naval Forces Europe / Africa in August 2022 as the director, logistics, ordnance and engineering (N4). He assumed responsibilities as director, Maritime Headquarters, in February 2024 and served until his departure from the command in July 2025.

Rear Admiral Hayden is qualified as a Naval Aviation Supply Officer and Navy Expeditionary Supply Corps Officer. His personal awards include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal (two awards) and various other personal, service, unit, and campaign awards.

Last Updated: 2 October 2025