Admiral Tom Hayward by Matthew Hillyer
Has anyone ever given you advice that you still continue to use today? Could you describe it?
"As a captain, I was told by an admiral to listen more; I was also told that humility goes a long way."
What is a major decision you are proud of?
“I was proud of my Zero Drug policy that I implemented in the Navy that helped reduce the drug possession of the U.S. Marines and Shipmen from 47% to 7%.”
What is your definition of success?
“Success comes from people who accept responsibility for their actions; success in life is measured by one's integrity and their character.”
How do you feel about the younger generation/teenagers? Connected? Similar or different from them?
“I feel disconnected from them. I feel they lack discipline.”
Who is one person that inspired you the most? Why?
"My father inspired me the most. He raised me during the Depression, and taught me discipline.”
Why did you decide to volunteer for this program?
"I decided to volunteer for this program because I am an experienced mentor and I feel like I can pass down what I have learned."
What did you learn about yourself over the course of your career?
When I asked the admiral about what he learned over the course of his career, he talked with me for over an hour about it. After growing up in the Great Depression, he learned that there is no reason for anything to get you down. He enjoyed life, and learned discipline from his dad. He became a pilot at a young age. After his senior year in high school, World War II broke out and he learned to never give up. He went on to join the Naval Academy. There, he enjoyed the experience, discipline, camaraderie, and excelled in academics. He felt a sense of accomplishment during his time there, and because of his grades, he was able to become a naval aviator cadet. He started the war as an engineering officer, and eventually became officer of the deck, which he credits as his principle accomplishment. When he was a lieutenant, he was known as a hotshot. During the war, he witnessed how difficult it was to maintain and how your primary duty can be different from what you expect. He was prepared to leave flight training, but he chose not to. He was trained by the time the Korean War began, and he had his first child during this time. Having children made him realize how much he was dumping on his life. During the Korean War, he got shot down during combat and made it to a US base safely. He was also selected to be one of the 11 astronauts for the Mercury Program, but was not able to go to space. After the Korean War, he became a test pilot and flew many different experimental aircrafts for the Navy; his favorite aircraft was the F8U Crusader. He was made rear admiral, which he credits to his aviation career. He worked for many different Secretaries of the Navy, and commanded an air wing when the Vietnam War broke out. From 1976 to 1978, he served as Commander in Chief of the US Pacific Fleet. He finished his 40 year career as Chief of Naval Operations under President Ronald Reagan from 1978 to 1982.
How have people changed over the course of your life? Are there any traits that people have/lack today compared to when you were younger?
The integration of women with young men created some leadership problems. The national attitude of pushing Judeo principles is weak today compared to when he was younger. Accountability is a big weakness today. It is the biggest weakness in the world for minorities, where keeping families together is a major issue. In the military, the staff are pretty much the same. You are given a squad and are held accountable for them. The values are the same. One of the strengths of the military is that you are always accepted and part of the team. You don't have to start over again, whereas in the private sector, you have to start over.
What was life like on a carrier? Was it difficult?
Life on a carrier was congested. Every minute there was something going on. You were constantly working and training. If there was any spare time, you were training, doing flight ops, communications. The day was compressed. You only get about 8-10 hours of free time. The food was always good.
Did you enjoy being on a carrier? My father tells me of how difficult it was being on a carrier for him, was it the same for you?
I loved it. Flight operations was the greatest show on Earth.
What do you think of the space race today?
It’s pretty fascinating to watch and read about. I think the things happening with Mars are fascinating. I met with Blue Origin engineers. I helped with it. We tried putting a spaceport in Hawaii.
Are there any aircrafts you wish to fly today?
I would love to fly all of them. I flew the F18. I like the F35.
Did politics affect any of the decisions you made as chief of the Navy? Or as commander of the various carriers you were on?
Yes, everything in Washington was politics. You do your best to ignore it. You do what is best for everyone and you take your orders, including budget priorities. You should avoid politics.
What was life like at the Naval Academy when you were there? Are there any pros/cons of the Naval Academy and Air Force Academy?
When he went through, everyone took the same courses, which is different today. People don’t march to class like they did back then. If you are interested in flying, the air force academy is probably the best.
What aircraft did you train on?
I soloed in a Piper Cub.
Has anyone ever given you advice that you still continue to use today? Could you describe it?
"As a captain, I was told by an admiral to listen more; I was also told that humility goes a long way."
What is a major decision you are proud of?
“I was proud of my Zero Drug policy that I implemented in the Navy that helped reduce the drug possession of the U.S. Marines and Shipmen from 47% to 7%.”
What is your definition of success?
“Success comes from people who accept responsibility for their actions; success in life is measured by one's integrity and their character.”
How do you feel about the younger generation/teenagers? Connected? Similar or different from them?
“I feel disconnected from them. I feel they lack discipline.”
Who is one person that inspired you the most? Why?
"My father inspired me the most. He raised me during the Depression, and taught me discipline.”
Why did you decide to volunteer for this program?
"I decided to volunteer for this program because I am an experienced mentor and I feel like I can pass down what I have learned."
What did you learn about yourself over the course of your career?
When I asked the admiral about what he learned over the course of his career, he talked with me for over an hour about it. After growing up in the Great Depression, he learned that there is no reason for anything to get you down. He enjoyed life, and learned discipline from his dad. He became a pilot at a young age. After his senior year in high school, World War II broke out and he learned to never give up. He went on to join the Naval Academy. There, he enjoyed the experience, discipline, camaraderie, and excelled in academics. He felt a sense of accomplishment during his time there, and because of his grades, he was able to become a naval aviator cadet. He started the war as an engineering officer, and eventually became officer of the deck, which he credits as his principle accomplishment. When he was a lieutenant, he was known as a hotshot. During the war, he witnessed how difficult it was to maintain and how your primary duty can be different from what you expect. He was prepared to leave flight training, but he chose not to. He was trained by the time the Korean War began, and he had his first child during this time. Having children made him realize how much he was dumping on his life. During the Korean War, he got shot down during combat and made it to a US base safely. He was also selected to be one of the 11 astronauts for the Mercury Program, but was not able to go to space. After the Korean War, he became a test pilot and flew many different experimental aircrafts for the Navy; his favorite aircraft was the F8U Crusader. He was made rear admiral, which he credits to his aviation career. He worked for many different Secretaries of the Navy, and commanded an air wing when the Vietnam War broke out. From 1976 to 1978, he served as Commander in Chief of the US Pacific Fleet. He finished his 40 year career as Chief of Naval Operations under President Ronald Reagan from 1978 to 1982.
How have people changed over the course of your life? Are there any traits that people have/lack today compared to when you were younger?
The integration of women with young men created some leadership problems. The national attitude of pushing Judeo principles is weak today compared to when he was younger. Accountability is a big weakness today. It is the biggest weakness in the world for minorities, where keeping families together is a major issue. In the military, the staff are pretty much the same. You are given a squad and are held accountable for them. The values are the same. One of the strengths of the military is that you are always accepted and part of the team. You don't have to start over again, whereas in the private sector, you have to start over.
What was life like on a carrier? Was it difficult?
Life on a carrier was congested. Every minute there was something going on. You were constantly working and training. If there was any spare time, you were training, doing flight ops, communications. The day was compressed. You only get about 8-10 hours of free time. The food was always good.
Did you enjoy being on a carrier? My father tells me of how difficult it was being on a carrier for him, was it the same for you?
I loved it. Flight operations was the greatest show on Earth.
What do you think of the space race today?
It’s pretty fascinating to watch and read about. I think the things happening with Mars are fascinating. I met with Blue Origin engineers. I helped with it. We tried putting a spaceport in Hawaii.
Are there any aircrafts you wish to fly today?
I would love to fly all of them. I flew the F18. I like the F35.
Did politics affect any of the decisions you made as chief of the Navy? Or as commander of the various carriers you were on?
Yes, everything in Washington was politics. You do your best to ignore it. You do what is best for everyone and you take your orders, including budget priorities. You should avoid politics.
What was life like at the Naval Academy when you were there? Are there any pros/cons of the Naval Academy and Air Force Academy?
When he went through, everyone took the same courses, which is different today. People don’t march to class like they did back then. If you are interested in flying, the air force academy is probably the best.
What aircraft did you train on?
I soloed in a Piper Cub.