Vice Adm. Jeff Hughes began serving as the deputy chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development (N7) in January 2021. He is a native of Pittsburgh, PA and a graduate of Duke University and the U.S. Naval War College. In addition to multiple operational assignments, he served at the Navy Space Command, Navy Personnel Command, Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate (J5) of the Joint Staff, and was executive assistant to the Director, Air Warfare (OPNAV N98). As a flag officer, Hughes has served as commander, Navy Recruiting Command; commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2; and most recently as deputy chief of Naval Personnel/commander, Navy Personnel Command.