Aviation Scholarship

The story of Admiral Ronald Jackson Hays can serve as a classic example of how success in life can rise from a modest background as well as from wealth and privilege. ADM Hays was born into a working-class family in a small sawmill town in central Louisiana. He distinguished himself early as valedictorian of his high school class. Through hard work and perseverance, and with the support of the town’s founder who recognized Hays’ potential, he received a congressional appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated in 1950. His military career included service as an experimental test pilot and two combat tours of duty in Vietnam. In 1983, he was appointed Vice Chief Naval Operations and in 1985, received the appointment of Commander in Chief Pacific Forces (CINCPAC) known today as U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. ADM Hays received many awards and honors throughout his military career. He was one of the most highly decorated members of his Naval Academy class. In 2005, he also received the Naval Academy’s highest honor: Distinguished Graduate. Through his significant contributions to aviation, he was invited into the exclusive Golden Eagles Association.

One of his proudest achievements was being honored as a Distinguished Eagle Scout. ADM Hays retired from the Navy in 1988 beginning a long-standing commitment to community service. As a volunteer leader in our community, ADM Hays was instrumental in securing the Battleship Missouri as part of the Pearl Harbor historic sites. His volunteer leadership was also instrumental in the actions that led to the formation of the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.

Established within the endowment of Pearl Harbor Aviation Musuem, the Admiral Ronald J. Hays Scholarship will be distributed to those who demonstrate the qualities of leadership, patriotism and service to their community. Scholarship awards may be applied to support academic and/or skills development, with flight training a primary focus.

The Admiral Ronald J. Hays Scholarship is managed and awarded without regard to race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin. Scholarships are non-transferable; however, recipients may apply for one subsequent scholarship after successful completion of the course of study funded by the initial scholarship. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.

ADM Hays was proud of his upbringing in Louisiana and he grew to love his adopted state of Hawaii. As such, preference will be given to applicants from these states.

Prior to awarding the scholarship, the applicant must provide an acceptance letter and course content from the selected vocational school, college, or university. Funds will be mailed/wired directly to the institution.