Jay Holley

Master Chief Holley was born in Snyder, Texas. He joined the Navy directly after graduating high school and reported to Recruit Training Command Great Lakes in July 1997.

Master Chief Holley completed Nuclear Field A School and Naval Nuclear Power School in Orlando, Florida and Naval Nuclear Prototype in Charleston, South Carolina. Upon completion of his training, Master Chief Holley reported to USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69). Upon completion of recruiting school in Pensacola, Florida, he reported to Navy Recruiting District Houston where he served as the Recruiter in Charge of Navy Recruiting Station, Longview, Texas. In 2006 Master Chief Holley completed Steam Plant Maintenance Supervisor’s Course before reporting to PCU GEORGE H. W. BUSH where he is now a Plank Owner. After commissioning BUSH, he reported to the United States Naval Academy where he served as the 8th Company Senior Enlisted Leader.

Master Chief Holley reported to USS RONALD REAGAN in 2013, as the Reactor Mechanical Division Leading Chief Petty Officer and the Reactor Training Division Officer. After participating in the three-hull swap between REAGAN, ROOSEVELT, and WASHINGTON, he delivered REAGAN to Yokosuka, Japan before detaching. He then served as the Surface Nuclear Chief Petty Officer Detailer at Naval Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee.

He was selected by Naval Reactors to serve as Reactor Department Master Chief onboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER from January 2019 to April 2022. Master Chief led the department of 450 Sailors through multiple CNO availabilities and two deployments to the Fifth Fleet in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and FREEDOM SENTINEL, one of which was a record-breaking 206 days without a port call amidst COVID restraints.

Master Chief Holley reported to the U.S. Naval Academy in April 2022 to take over as the Brigade Master Chief.

His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one gold star various other personal and unit awards. He has also earned his Surface Warfare and Aviation Warfare Specialist qualifications. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management and a Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership. He is a graduate of the United States Navy Senior Enlisted Academy Class 212 Grey.