Capt. Richard D. Hayes III relieved Capt. Dean A. VanderLey as commanding officer of Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Mid-Atlantic during a change of command ceremony at the historic Pennsylvania House onboard Naval Station Norfolk, Aug. 9.

VanderLey, who has been NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic commanding officer since May 2016, will report to his next assignment to serve as vice commander for NAVFAC Atlantic. VanderLey, a native of Tacoma, Washington, graduated from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and holds a Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford University.

“This has been one of the most rewarding tours of my career and I’ve looked forward to coming to work every day,” said VanderLey during his remarks. “It’s really been an honor to be your commanding officer for the last two years. Thank you to all the hardworking professionals of NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic. This job is a lot of work. There’s always something going on somewhere, but you guys made it a pleasure. You are great Americans and take a lot of pride in what you do.”

In his last acts as commanding officer, VanderLey presented Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Awards to Keith Barbish for meritorious civilian service while serving as the NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic deputy assistant operations officer from December 2016 to August 2018, and Edward Kemper for meritorious civilian service while serving as a journeyman electrician at NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic from February 1976 to August 2018.

Rear Adm. Darius Banaji, commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic and fleet civil engineer, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, who presided over the ceremony, lauded VanderLey for his leadership and presented him, on behalf of the Director, Navy Staff S. B. Easter, the Legion of Merit medal for his exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of his duties from May 2016 through August 2018.

“It’s no surprise there is such a great turnout,” said Banaji. “It’s really a true testament to Dean’s leadership and inspiration on how such a great teaming of people want to come out to celebrate his achievements of success and what he’s done for NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic. So how do you follow a leader like Dean VanderLey? By choosing another tremendously talented naval officer by the name of Captain Rich Hayes. Rich is a gifted leader who has my utmost trust, respect and confidence, and he is the right leader to take NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic to the next level.”

Hayes, a native of Charleston, West Virginia, comes to NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic from NAVFAC Hawaii, where he served as commanding officer as well as regional engineer for Navy Region Hawaii. He graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and holds a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering (Construction Management) from Purdue University. He also completed the Stanford Graduate School of Business Executive Education Program.

“I am truly honored to be standing here and deeply grateful of the special trust and confidence in being given this opportunity and privilege to lead and to serve NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic,” said Hayes. “Rear Admiral Banaji and Rear Admiral (Charles) Rock – I eagerly accept the responsibility and the accountability of this position and am ready to roll-up my sleeves to work with you to accomplish our mission.”

Immediately following his speech, Hayes read his orders and relieved VanderLey.

NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic provides facilities engineering, public works and environmental products and services across an area of responsibility that spans from Georgia to Maine and as far west as Indiana. As an integral member of the Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic team, NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic provides leadership through the Regional Engineer organization to ensure the region's facilities and infrastructure are managed efficiently and effectively.

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