Leadership
CAPT. MARY KATEY HAYS
COMMANDING OFFICER
Captain Hays is a native of Tampa, Florida. She received her commission in 1999 from the United States Naval Academy where she earned a Bachelor of Science in History. She earned a certificate and Associate Degree in Modern Standard Arabic from the Defense Language Institute in 2004 and a Master of Arts in National Security Affairs (Middle Eastern Studies) from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2005, graduating with distinction. Her sea assignments include Damage Control Assistant and Navigator in USS MILIUS (DDG 69), Engineer Officer in USS CARNEY (DDG 64) and USS ANTIETAM (CG 54), Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of USS DECATUR (DDG 73), and Deputy Commodore, COMDESRON TWO SIX. Ashore, she completed an Individual Augmentation assignment as the Civil Affairs Team Officer-in-Charge at SEAL Team ONE in Al Anbar Province, Iraq; Scheduler at Commander, THIRD Fleet; Congressional Liaison in the Surface Warfare Directorate of the Chief of Naval Operations Staff; Maritime Syndicate Lead and Future Operations Officer at Carrier Strike Group FOUR; and Commanding Officer of Afloat Training Group Norfolk. While in command of Afloat Training Group Norfolk, the command earned the Meritorious Unit Commendation for innovative training during the COVID-19 pandemic. Captain Hays assumed duties as Prospective Commanding Officer of Pre-Commissioning Unit TED STEVENS March 27, 2023. She was the first crewmember to report to TED STEVENS. Her decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (five awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various campaign and unit awards.
LCDR Stephen Roman
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
A native of Denver, Colorado, LCDR Stephen Roman is a 2008 graduate from Auburn University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. He completed his postgraduate degree at Penn State University earning a Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security. He received his commission in 2011 from Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. His sea assignments include Electrical Officer on USS Antietam (CG 54) and USS Cowpens (CG 63), First Lieutenant on USS Patriot (MCM 7), Combat Systems Officer and Operations Officer in USS Detroit (LCS 7) and Operations Officer in PCU Nantucket (LCS 27). Ashore, he served as Crew Commander at the Missile Warning Center in Colorado Springs and Chief Staff Officer in Destroyer Squadron Five Zero. His decorations include the Joint Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various other unit and personal awards.
Eugene J. Lee
Command Master Chief
Command Master Chief Eugene J. Lee is a native of New Orleans, LA. In May 2002, he graduated from Marion Senior High School and enlisted in the United States Navy. In June 2002, He reported to Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL. He reported to USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in November 2002, where he successfully completed two Deployments and two humanitarian relief missions to include Hurricane Katrina relief. Upon completion, he reported to Transient Personal Unit in Norfolk, VA in December 2007. In December 2010, he reported to the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) where he completed a RCOH period and a 9-month deployment. In June 2016, he reported to Navy recruiting District Richmond where he advanced to Chief Petty Officer. At the conclusion of his Recruiting tour, in June 2019 he reported to the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) where he advanced to Senior Chief Petty Officer in July 2021. Upon the conclusion of this tour, he reported to USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) where he served as the Supply Department Leading Chief Petty and Safety Leading Chief Petty Officer. During his tour on board USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) he was selected for the Command Senior Enlisted Program. He reported to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO ONE (HX-21) as the Command Senior Chief in June 2023. In May of 2024, he reported to USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128) where he is currently serving as their first Command Master Chief. Master Chief Lee is a graduate of the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 226, Green) and the Command Master Chief/ Chief of the Boat (CMC/COB) course. His personal awards include a Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (three), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, 2 Inspirational Leadership awards, Humanitarian Service Medal, and various other unit and campaign awards. He is qualified as a specialist in Enlisted Surface Warfare, Aviation Warfare Specialist, and Enlisted Information Warfare Specialist.
