Thomas B. Hayward Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Thomas B. Hayward
Hayward, 21st Chief of Naval Operations
Born	(1924-05-03)May 3, 1924 Glendale, California, U.S.
Died	March 3, 2022(2022-03-03) (aged 97) Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Service/branch	United States Navy
Years of service	1942–1982
Rank	Admiral
Commands held	Chief of Naval Operations United States Pacific Fleet United States Seventh Fleet USS America (CVA-66) USS Graffias (AF-29) Carrier Air Wing Ten VF-103
Battles/wars	World War II Korean War Vietnam War
Awards	Defense Distinguished Service Medal (2) Navy Distinguished Service Medal (3) Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit (3) with Combat V Distinguished Flying Cross

Admiral Thomas Bibb Hayward (May 3, 1924 – March 3, 2022) was a very important leader in the United States Navy. He served as the Chief of Naval Operations from July 1, 1978, until June 30, 1982. This was the highest-ranking officer position in the Navy! After this, he retired from his long and impressive military career.

Admiral Hayward's Navy Career
Life After the Navy
His Passing
Awards and Honors
Images for kids
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Admiral Hayward's Navy Career

Joining the Navy and Early Flights

Thomas Hayward joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 during World War II. He wanted to become a pilot. While training, he was accepted into the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He graduated in 1947.

In 1949, he went back to flight training and earned his United States Naval Aviator wings in July 1950. Soon after, the Korean War began. As a young pilot, he flew 146 combat missions from aircraft carriers like the USS Essex (CV-9) and USS Valley Forge (CV-45). For his bravery, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross and other awards. One of his squadron friends was Neil Armstrong, who later became a famous astronaut. They remained friends for life.

Becoming a Test Pilot and Instructor

After the Korean War, Hayward became a Navy test pilot. This meant he tested new aircraft and equipment. He also became a lead instructor at a special school that was a early version of TOPGUN. He even commanded his own squadron, VF-103. In 1959, he was considered to be one of the first NASA astronauts, but he was not chosen.

Serving in the Vietnam War

From 1965 to 1966, Hayward flew 36 combat missions during the Vietnam War. He flew from the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid (CV-11). For his service, he received the Legion of Merit. Later, as a Captain, he commanded two ships: the USS Graffias (AF-29) and the large aircraft carrier USS America (CVA-66).

Leading Fleets and the Navy

Hayward continued to rise through the ranks. He commanded the United States Seventh Fleet from 1975 to 1976. Then, he became the Commander in Chief of the entire United States Pacific Fleet from 1976 to 1978.

His most important role was as the Chief of Naval Operations. He focused on making the Navy stronger and more prepared. He also worked to bring back "Pride in the Navy" among sailors.

For his achievements, he received the James H. Doolittle Award in 1981. In 2007, he was honored with the Distinguished Graduate Award by the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association.

Life After the Navy

After retiring from the Navy, Admiral Hayward worked in education. He helped start companies that created learning solutions for students from kindergarten to college. He also supported military families through the Code of Support Foundation.