A native of Columbus, Mississippi, Master Chief Hairston graduated from Columbus High School in June of 1998. He then enlisted into the U.S. Navy and reported to Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois, in November 1998. After completing basic training, he attended Machinist’s Mate “A” School at Service Schools Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. 

His sea duty assignments include USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3), USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), and USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), homeported in Diego Garcia. 

His shore commands include Center for Naval Engineering Great Lakes, Recruit Training Command as a recruit division commander, and Navy Provisional Detainee Battalion 4 as an Individual Augmentee to Camp Bucca, located in the vicinity of Umm Qasr, Iraq. 

Hairston was selected for the Command Master Chief Program in 2017. He is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 190 Gold) and Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat Course (Class 171). 

He reported to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 “Vigilantes” in Lemoore, California, June 2017. While assigned, he deployed with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Inherent Resolve and Deliberate Resolve. 

Hairston reported to his current assignment in February 2020 as command master chief, Surface Warfare Engineering School Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. 

His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), and various unit and campaign awards. 

Last Updated: 17 March 2021