CDR C. Randy Hayes

COMMANDING OFFICER, USS HOWARD (DDG 83)

11 November 2025

Commander Hayes is a native from Long Island, New York. In 2010, he graduated from S.U.N.Y Maritime University with a bachelor’s degree in International Transportation and Trade. He holds a master’s degree from the Naval Post Graduate School in Homeland Security and Defense.

Operationally, Hayes has served onboard USS MOBILE BAY (CG 53) as Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer and the Force Protection Officer in San Diego, California. He has completed four Forward Deployed Naval Force Japan tours onboard USS ANTIETAM (CG 54) as Navigator and Weapons Officer, onboard USS McCAMPBELL (DDG 85) as the Operations Officer and as Executive Officer onboard USS CHIEF (MCM 14). He commanded USS CHIEF (MCM 14) from June 2022 to August 2023. Hayes has made several extended deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and New Dawn and numerous patrols in the U.S. 7th Fleet’s area of operations.

He took Command of USS HOWARD (DDG 83) on October 24, 2025.

Ashore, Hayes served as an Officer Recruiter for Navy Talent Management Group San Francisco, Long-Range Fires Requirements Officer for OPNAV N9 Digital Warfare Office, and most recently as Executive Assistant to OPNAV N3N5B. 

Hayes has earned various personal, unit, service and campaign awards including the Admiral Arleigh Burke Award for Operational Excellence in 2013.