Mrs. Catherine Ann Stevens
Sponsor
Catherine Stevens, wife of the late Senator Ted Stevens, is a fourth generation Alaskan who grew up in the Territory and then State of Alaska. She has a long history of public service, in addition to her legal career, which includes State District Attorney in Fairbanks, Alaska, Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of California, and General Counsel for the National Endowment for the Arts.
Catherine received Presidential appointments to the Eisenhower Memorial Commission and to the board of the Kennedy Center. The Senator and Catherine also committed themselves to the culture and well-being of Alaska Native people. In addition, the Senator, who was a National World War II veteran, and Catherine worked to improve the lives of other veterans and those currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. They actively supported the creation of the World War II Museum in New Orleans, helping to make it a reality. Additionally, Catherine served as a trustee of the American Air Museum at IWM Duxford, England. She was also the proud sponsor for the USS Alaska (SSBN-732), a U.S. Navy Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned in 1986.
Mrs. Susan Stevens Covich
Sponsor
Susan Stevens Covich, the daughter of Senator Stevens, was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, and has called Alaska home her entire life. Susan attended school in Anchorage before graduating from Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, Maryland. She then attended the University of Denver and graduated from the University of Alaska with a Bachelor of Arts in History. Susan is a wife, mother, and retired educator. For nearly 20 years, she was employed by the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District in several capacities, including Technology Specialist, Title 1 Tutor and substitute teacher. She lives in Alaska with her husband and has three children and three grandchildren, who are the pride and joy in her life. Fiercely independent, Susan remains devoted to family, friends and her community.
Mrs. Lily Irene Becker
Sponsor
Lily Becker is the youngest of the Senator’s six children. She received a Bachelor of Arts in History and Master of Arts in Chinese History at Stanford University, and a Juris Doctor from the UC Berkeley School of Law. Lily frequently accompanied her father on visits to bases in Alaska and beyond. This included yearly holiday events in Alaska, where the Senator facilitated donations of presents to children of servicemembers. She continues to honor her father’s dedication to military families by supporting Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), a nonprofit that assists military families suffering the loss of a family member. In addition, she has also served on the board of directors for ThanksUSA, a nonprofit that provides scholarships to families of servicemembers.
Lily lives in San Francisco along with her husband Preston and three children, Chelsea and Megan (10), who are serving as Maids of Honor for the Ted Stevens (DDG 128), and Alison (2). Lily is currently a lawyer, having begun her legal career as a clerk on the Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C.
Mrs. Laura H. Sexton
Matron of Honor
Laura H. Sexton is the daughter of Susan and David Covich, and a grandchild of the late Senator Stevens and Catherine Stevens. She was born and raised in Alaska and currently lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. Laura moved to Arizona to attend Northern Arizona University, where she met her husband Philip J. Sexton. Laura and Philip have three young children, Oscar (11), David (7), and Hazel (5). After graduating from Northern Arizona University, Laura pursued higher level education at Georgetown University. Laura is a devoted wife and mother, and also enjoys a career specializing in Federal and State taxation.
Miss Chelsea Rose Becker
Maid of Honor
Chelsea Becker is in fifth grade and loves cross country, lacrosse, basketball, and ballet. She is a granddaughter of Ted Stevens and lives in San Francisco with her parents, Lily and Preston, twin sister Megan, and baby sister Alison.
Miss Megan Hays Becker
Maid of Honor
Megan Becker is in fifth grade and loves lacrosse, basketball, volleyball, and ballet. She is a granddaughter of Ted Stevens and lives in San Francisco with her parents, Lily and Preston, twin sister Chelsea, and baby sister Alison.
Master Oscar Frederick Sexton
Attendant
Oscar Sexton is in sixth grade and is a great-grandson of Ted Stevens. Oscar is an avid soccer player and loves camping and fishing. Oscar lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with his parents, Laura and Phil Sexton, brother David, and sister Hazel.
The Honorable Sean O’Keefe – 69th Secretary of the Navy, former Administrator for NASA and former staffer for Senator Ted Stevens
Sean O’Keefe began his career in the Department of the Navy in the inaugural class of Presidential Management Interns in 1978. In 1981 he joined the professional staff of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the new chair of the defense subcommittee, the senior Senator for Alaska, Ted Stevens. In 1989 President George H.W. Bush appointed him the Comptroller and CFO of the Department of Defense at the Pentagon where he served until 1992 when the President appointed him to be Secretary of the Navy. He subsequently assumed academic posts at Penn State and later at Syracuse University.
O’Keefe returned to public service in the President George W. Bush administration, as Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget at the White House and NASA Administrator in 2001-2005. He subsequently went on to be Chancellor of the Louisiana State University, a corporate VP at General Electric and later as CEO of the US subsidiary of the global aerospace company, Airbus Group.
He is the recipient of the Defense Department’s Distinguished Public Service Award, the faculty recipient of the Syracuse University Chancellor’s Award for Public Service; the Department of Navy’s Public Service Award; the Syracuse University distinguished alumni Arents Award for Excellence in Public Service, and the Meridian International Center’s Corporate Leadership award. O’Keefe is a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, inducted in the Government Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame, and the recipient of five honorary doctoral degrees, from universities across the country, including Loyola University, New Orleans, his undergraduate alma mater.
O’Keefe serves on the board of the Partnership for Public Service, the Finger Lakes Land Trust, and the Ted Stevens Foundation. He is a member of the faculty at the academic rank of University Professor and the Howard and Louise Phanstiel Endowed Chair in Strategic Leadership at the Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Concurrently, he is a Distinguished Senior Adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), in Washington, D.C.
He and his wife Laura live in Alexandria, Virginia, and Skaneateles, NY, and have three grown children and a grandson in the Washington DC metro area.
The Honorable Russell Rumbaugh – Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial Management Comptroller
The Honorable Russell Rumbaugh was sworn in as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management & Comptroller) on January 3, 2023. He directly oversees management of the Department of the Navy’s (DON) annual budget exceeding $240 billion while leading, mentoring, and developing the DON’s community of over 9,200 financial managers. He spearheads the DON’s financial management transformation, including the financial statement audit and modernization of financial systems. These efforts support mission accomplishment for Fleet commands, Marine Expeditionary Forces, and all naval forces within the Department.
Mr. Rumbaugh has previously worked on national security budgets in the Department of Defense, the U.S. Congress, and with various think tanks. Mr. Rumbaugh served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation office twice, on the Senate Budget Committee, and on personal staff in the House of Representatives.
Mr. Rumbaugh also studied defense budgets at the Stimson Center, Aerospace, and the Congressional Research Service. He has taught defense budgets at Georgetown University, George Mason University, and the University of Maryland, and published widely on the subject. He began his career as a U.S. Army infantry officer.
Mr. Rumbaugh holds degrees in political science and security studies from the University of Chicago and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is a Certified Defense Financial Manager with Acquisition Specialty.
Vice Admiral Jeffrey Hughes – USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development
Vice Admiral Jeff Hughes is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a 1988 graduate of Duke University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He graduated with distinction from the Naval War College in 2008, receiving a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies.
He was designated a naval aviator in September 1989 and has flown MH-60R and SH-60B Seahawk helicopters throughout his career.
Hughes’ operational assignments include initial squadron and detachment officer-in-charge/department head tours with the Swamp Foxes of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 44, where he deployed on USS Carr (FFG 52), USS Elrod (FFG 55) and USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67).
He was named HSL-44 Pilot of the Year and was the co-recipient of the Commanding Officer’s Helmsman Award for calendar year (CY) 1993. He served as the flag lieutenant to Commander, Carrier Group 4, where he embarked all six East Coast
aircraft carriers supporting six intermediate and advanced phase strike group underway training (C2X/JTFEX) periods. He served as the executive officer and14th commanding officer of the Fighting Vipers of HSL-48. He was the Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing (HSM), U.S. Atlantic Fleet recipient of the Navy and Marine Association peer-selected leadership award for CY 2007.
Additionally, he served as commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet during a period of significant transition and growth in the HSM community.
His shore staff assignments include: Navy Space Command Detachment Alfa officer-in-charge; assistant aviation captain detailer and HSL/HS Placement officer in Navy Personnel Command (PERS 43); division chief for Africa in the Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate (J5) of the Joint Staff; and 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. While at ESG 2, he
was the commander, Task Force (CTF) 189, where he served as the joint maritime component commander (forward), leading 4,500 Sailors and Marines conducting disaster relief operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico following hurricanes Irma and Maria.
His decorations include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (four awards), and various other personal, unit, service and campaign awards. He is proud to have served on teams that received numerous unit commendations and Battle Efficiency awards.
Hughes began serving as the deputy chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development (N7) in January 2021.
Lieutenant Kyle R. Beshears – USN, Chaplain, Commander Navy Region Southwest Reserve Operations Center
Lieutenant Kyle R. Beshears was born in Munster, Indiana and is a native of Mobile, Alabama. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Moody Bible Institute (2009), two Master of Theology degrees (2019, 2021), and a Ph.D. in World Religions from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (2021). He was commissioned directly as a chaplain in November 2020. He is endorsed by InFaith.
Prior to his commissioning, Beshears enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving at Ramstein Air Base as a Communications-Computer Systems Operator (2004–2007) and Keesler Air Force Base as a technical instructor (2007–2009). He then served as a civil servant at Royal Air Force Lakenheath (2009–2013) before transitioning into the ministry.
After commissioning in the U.S. Navy (2020), he graduated Officer Development School in November 2021 and the Professional Naval Chaplaincy Basic Leadership Course the following year. He is presently assigned to Navy Reserve Center Pensacola and cross-assigned to the Navy Region Southwest Reserve Operations Center as the Religious Ministry Team Department Head.
As a civilian, Beshears is a minister, educator and author. Beshears is authorized to wear the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, and various other personal, unit and service awards. Lt. Beshears is married to Heather and is father to Whitney (4).
Lieutenant Beshears was born in Munster, Indiana and is a native of Mobile, Alabama. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Moody Bible Institute (2009), and two Master of Theology degrees (2019, 2021) and a PhD in World Religions from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (2021). He was commissioned directly as a chaplain in November 2020. He is endorsed by InFaith.
Prior to his commissioning, Beshears enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving at Ramstein Air Base as a Communications—Computer Systems Operator (2004–2007) and Keesler Air Force Base as a technical instructor (2007–2009). He then served as a civil servant at Royal AirForce Lakenheath (2009–2013) before transitioning into the ministry. After commissioning in the Navy (2020), he graduated Officer Development School in November 2021 and the Professional Naval Chaplaincy Basic Leadership Course the following year. He is presently assigned to Navy Reserve Center Pensacola and cross-assigned to the Navy Region Southwest Reserve Operations Center as the Religious Ministry Team Department Head. As a civilian, Beshears is a minister, educator, and author. Beshears is authorized to wear the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, and various other personal, unit, and service awards. LT Beshears is married to Heather and is father to Whitney (4).
Ms. Jill Boward, Executive Director for Combatants, PEO Ships
Ms. Jill Boward currently serves as the Executive Director, Combatants, Program Executive Office, Ships where she provides executive leadership for more than 200 personnel in complex, new construction shipbuilding programs defining the 21st century surface combatant fleet. Ms. Boward oversees more than $59 billion in procurements with responsibilities that span multiple major program offices: the DDG 51 program (PMS 400D), the DDG 1000 program (PMS 500), and the DDG(X) program (PMS 460). Ms. Boward has served over 34 years as a civilian in the Department of Defense and entered the Senior Executive Service in September 2015.
In her previous role as the Executive Director, Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS) from 2019 to 2021, Ms. Boward directed the acquisition and fleet support of the Surface Navy’s 155 combat systems, weapons, radars, and related international and foreign military sales programs. Ms. Boward was responsible for an organization of over 400 civilian and military personnel and 128 programs and projects with an annual acquisition budget of $6 billion.
From 2011 to 2015, Ms. Boward served as Director for Amphibious and Auxiliary Ship Programs for the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Ships, supporting the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition. She spent over 25 years with the Naval Sea Systems Command’s Cost Engineering and Industrial Analysis Group in various capacities, to include Director from 2015 to 2019; Deputy Director from 2007 to 2011; Industrial Planning and Analysis Division Director from 2002 to 2006; and as the Surface Combatants Division Director in 2002. She also served as a cost team leader and analyst supporting the DDG 51 program and as a cost analyst for various combat and weapons systems.
From 1991 to 1994, Ms. Boward worked as the staff engineer for the Contracts Management Division in the U.S. Army Garrison – Directorate of Engineering and Housing, Republic of Panama.
Ms. Boward was awarded the Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award in addition to numerous other recognitions and performance awards throughout her career. She earned both a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research, and a Master of Engineering Administration degree from Virginia Tech, and a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University
Captain Seth Miller, USN, DDG 51 Class Program Manager, PEO Ships
Captain Seth Miller is a native of Grain Valley, Missouri. He received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1992 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree in May 1996. He holds a Master of Science degree in Physics with a subspecialty in Total Ship System Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.
After completing Surface Warfare Officers School, Captain Miller reported aboard USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) where he served as the Strike Officer from January 1997 to July 1999. He took the ship from its initial post-delivery test and trials to its maiden deployment to the Mediterranean in support of Operation Allied Force.
Captain Miller reported aboard USS Carr (FFG 52) in 1999 where he served as Navigator and Administrative Officer. He participated in deployment workups and
deployed to the Mediterranean. During his tour, he received a lateral transfer to the Engineering Duty Officer Community. Following completion of Engineering Duty Officer School, Captain Miller reported to the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) in December 2003. During his tour, he served as the Electromagnetic Railgun Project Officer, spent one year on temporary duty to the Program Executive Office, Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS) DDG 1000 Combat System Integration, and deployed to Afghanistan for an Individual Augmentation Tour.
From April 2007 to May 2010, Captain Miller served as the AEGIS Test Officer for the DDG 51 shipbuilding program at the Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion & Repair
in Bath, Maine. During his tour at SUPSHIP Bath, Captain Miller participated in the delivery of five DDG 51-class ships and the start of DDG 1000 construction and combat system test planning.
In May 2010, Captain Miller reported to PEO IWS 1.0 as the AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Integration Manager. In 2011, he reported to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development, and Acquisition) as the Director of Surface Combatants to serve as the action officer for the DDG 51, DDG 1000, and LCS Class shipbuilding programs. From 2014 to 2016, he served as the DDG 51 Class Shipbuilding Program
Production Officer. His most recent assignment was as Major Program Manager for the Zumwalt Class Integrated Combat System (PEO IWS 9.0).
Captain Miller was selected as the DDG 51 Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer Shipbuilding Program Manager in April 2019 and is currently part of the outstanding AEGIS shipbuilding team that is fielding the Flight III Destroyers.
Captain Miller’s personal awards include four Meritorious Service Medals, one Joint Commendation Medal, three Navy Commendation Medals and two Navy Achievement Medals.
Captain Randy Slaff, USN, Supervisor of Shipbuilding Gulf Coast
CAPT Randy Slaff was born in Nashville, TN, and raised in Dallas, PA. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1999 with a degree in Naval Architecture. He then reported to USS ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG 51) for his first division officer tour as the Anti- Submarine Warfare Officer. During his tour aboard USS ARLEIGH BURKE, he earned his Surface Warfare Officer qualification. In 2001, CAPT Slaff reported to DESRON 26 as the Assistant Operations Officer, and earned his Tactical Action Officer qualification. Following his tour with DESRON 26, he reported ashore to the Surface Warfare Officer School in 2003 where he served as an anti-submarine warfare instructor and completed his Master Training Specialist Qualification. In 2007, he completed his master’s degree at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, CA, where he completed the Total Ship Systems Engineering Program and earned a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
CAPT Slaff’s initial Engineering Duty Office tour was at the Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion, and Repair in Bath, ME (SSBA), where he served as a Project Officer/Ship Superintendent for DDG 104, DDG 106, and DDG 1000. Following the completion of his Engineering Duty Officer Qualification in 2009, he assumed duties as the SSBA Production/Delivery Officer for both the DDG 51 and DDG 1000 programs and completed the delivery of USS WAYNE E MEYER (DDG 108). In 2010, CAPT Slaff reported to the Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion, and Repair Gulf Coast (SSGC) in Pascagoula, MS, where he was assigned as the DDG 1000 Program Manager’s Representative (PMR). While stationed at SSGC, CAPT Slaff was accepted as a member of the Acquisition Professional Community. Following his tour as SSGC DDG 1000 PMR, CAPT Slaff completed an IA deployment as the Deputy Force Engineer for Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa in Djibouti, Africa. In 2013, CAPT Slaff reported to PEO Ships as the Production Officer and Principle Assistant Program Manager for Post-Delivery, Test and Evaluation, and Fleet Introduction for the LPD Program (PMS 317). In 2016, CAPT Slaff reported to the Supervisor of Shipbuilding Gulf Coast as the LHA Program Manager’s Representative and delivered USS TRIPOLI (LHA 7) in 2020. In October 2020, CAPT Slaff reported to Special Operations Command where he assumed duties as Program Executive Officer Maritime for Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology, & Logistics (SOF AT&L). CAPT Slaff reported to SSGC in July 2023 and assumed duties as Commanding Officer.
CAPT Slaff’s personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards). He has been married to Maraya Slaff of Kingston, PA., since 2000. They have two children, Nicholas and Isabelle.
Captain Mary Katey Hayes – USN, Prospective Commanding Officer, Ted Stevens (DDG 128)
Captain Hays is a native of Tampa, Florida. She received her commission in 1999 from the United States Naval Academy where she earned a Bachelor of Science in History. She earned a certificate and Associate Degree in Modern Standard Arabic from the Defense Language Institute in 2004 and a Master of Arts in National Security Affairs (Middle Eastern Studies) from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2005, graduating with distinction.
Her sea assignments include Damage Control Assistant and Navigator in USS MILIUS (DDG 69), Engineer Officer in USS CARNEY (DDG 64) and USS ANTIETAM (CG 54), and Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of USS DECATUR (DDG 73).
Ashore, she completed an Individual Augmentation assignment as the Civil Affairs Team Officer-in-Charge at SEAL Team ONE in Al Anbar Province, Iraq; Scheduler at Commander, THIRD Fleet; Congressional Liaison in the Surface Warfare Directorate of the Chief of Naval Operations Staff; Maritime Syndicate Lead and Future Operations Officer at Carrier Strike Group FOUR; and Commanding Officer of Afloat Training Group Norfolk. While in command of Afloat Training Group Norfolk, the command earned the Meritorious Unit Commendation for innovative training during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Captain Hays assumed duties as Prospective Commanding Officer of Pre-Commissioning Unit TED STEVENS March 27, 2023. She was the first crewmember to report to TED STEVENS.
Her decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various campaign and unit awards.
4101 Washington Ave.
Newport News, VA 23607
4101 Washington Ave
Newport News, VA 23607
1000 Jerry St. Pe’ Highway
Pascagoula, MS 39568
8350 Broad Street, Suite 1400
McLean, VA 22102
2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 1100
Arlington, VA 22202
