Capt. Richard Haley

Executive Officer, USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7)

23 May 2024

A native of Millington, Tennessee, CAPT Haley is a graduate of the University of Memphis.  He was commissioned in 2001 via Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida. 

Prior to assuming the duties as the Executive Officer for USS IWO JIMA (LHD 7), CAPT Haley served as the Deputy Executive Assistant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations. 

From 2020 to 2021, he had the honor and privilege of serving as the Commanding Officer of the 2020 Battle Efficiency Award winning squadron, the Blackjacks of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO ONE.

During previous sea duty assignments, he deployed with the Chargers of HC-6 and HSC-26 respectively, assigned as Officer-in-Charge in USNS MEDGAR EVERS (T AKE 13), supporting FIFTH and SIXTH Fleet operations.  Additionally, he was afforded the opportunity to serve as Officer-in-Charge to Detachment SIX, an MQ-8B detachment on USS SIMPSON (FFG 56), executing more than 1,600 hours of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance in direct support of operations in the AFRICOM area of responsibility.  In March of 2010, he reported to the USS SAN ANTONIO (LPD 17) to serve as Aviation Department Head.

His assignments ashore include Protocol Officer to the 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Fleet Replacement Instructor Pilot in HSC-2.  He was awarded the distinguished Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor Pilot of the Year Award in 2009. 

CAPT Haley has accumulated over 2,200 hours of fixed wing and helicopter time in addition to accumulating over 600 hours of MQ-8B Firecout aircraft commander time. 

His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), and various unit and campaign medals.