VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Cmdr. Rick Haley, a native of Smithtown, New York, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Expeditionary Combat Command, part of the Navy’s expeditionary force.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marieliza Rosales Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
Haley graduated from Chamanade High School in 2006 and Villanova University with a bachelor’s degree in civil and environmental engineering in 2010.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Smithtown.
“First and foremost, I learned about treating people the right way and cultivating personal relationships with others,” Haley said. "In the Navy, you have to work hard, do your best, and dedicate yourself to a cause. If you do those things, it will turn out right for you."
Haley joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Haley serves as NECC’s future operations officer.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to go to war,” Haley said. "We were deep into the ground war in Afghanistan and seeing Americans hurt and killed by IEDs, I wanted to go EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) to stop that, and that desire solidified my choice. Being a New Yorker when 9/11 happened and seeing ground zero firsthand was actually when I first decided I wanted the military.”
Headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) provides oversight, training and support for the Navy’s expeditionary forces worldwide. From EOD technicians and Seabees to maritime security and logistics sailors, NECC integrates these specialized communities into a ready force capable of deploying quickly and operating wherever they’re needed. A dedicated civilian workforce stands alongside uniformed personnel, ensuring the command has the depth and expertise to keep pace with evolving missions.
NECC’s focus is clear: Arrive on Station, Stay on Station, and Sustain the Fight. By building readiness at home and enabling operations abroad, NECC ensures that expeditionary sailors are equipped, trained, and prepared to deliver when the Navy and the nation call.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Haley has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishments are always based on the personal and professional success of the people I work with,” Haley said. "I have been blessed to work with so many great people, and being able to positively influence those around me is something that makes me very proud. I am also so proud of my wife and children and the life we have made."
Haley serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means I am dedicated to the mission and the people I work with,” Haley said. "You have to make sure you are taking care of your people and fostering an environment where they can thrive personally and professionally."
Haley is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Nubia, for her constant patience and support and for completing the difficult task of taking care of our home and children,” Haley said. "She is an amazing mom to our two daughters, Maya and Allia. They are the light of my life. I also want ot thank my parents, Rick and Jean, and my sister, Kerin, for instilling in me a sense of moral and ethical code and a strong ethic and the means to pursue my personal and professional dreams."
“Professionally, I want to do a command tour and hopefully I will screen for that this year,” Haley said.