Jeffrey W. Hughes

Jeffrey William Hughes (born 1966) is a retired United States Navy vice admiral who served as the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development of the United States Navy from 2021 to 2024.

Early life and education Hughes was raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1988, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Duke University and then graduated with distinction with a Master of Arts in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, with full Joint Professional Military Education credit. The ships had previously been prepositioned to the south of the island to assist in the recovery efforts once the hurricane had passed.

In March 2018, Hughes assumed command of Navy Personnel Command and became Deputy Chief of Naval Personnel. On 12 November 2020, he was nominated for promotion to vice admiral and assignment as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development. On 14 December 2020, his nomination was confirmed by voice vote of the full United States Senate.

Hughes' decorations include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (four awards), and the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards).