John B. Hayes; Admiral, Coast Guard Commandant

Retired Adm. John B. Hayes, 76, the 16th commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard who led the service during the Mariel boat lift, in which thousands of Cubans fled to Florida. Born in Jamestown, N.Y., Hayes entered the Coast Guard Academy in 1953 and graduated with a commission as ensign. He spent most of his career in command positions, serving in Vietnam, Japan, Alaska and Florida. As Coast Guard commandant, a post he held from 1978 to 1982, Hayes ordered a broad review of the Coast Guard’s mission. This review led to an increased focus in its battle against drug traffickers. During his tenure, the first women graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. In 1980, the Coast Guard conducted the largest search and rescue mission in its history when 125,000 Cubans fled the port of Mariel in boats and rafts and 30,000 Haitians also crossed the Florida straits. On Jan. 17 in Tavernier, Fla., of injuries suffered when he was struck by a vehicle.