Family members, friends, and shipmates attended the ceremony to honor and bid fair winds and following seas to Haeuptle, who served 26 years in the Marine Corps and another 18 years as a civil servant.  

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti presided over the ceremony and praised Haeuptle for his dedication and leadership.  

“You truly made a difference and lived up to our core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment, every single day,” said Franchetti. “Bravo Zulu, and congratulations to you and your family for such an amazing career and a job so well done.” 

In his remarks, Haeuptle expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, and attributed his success to those who he served alongside. 

“I’ve been very fortunate to have a career of incredible experiences,” he said. “I have been inspired and motivated to serve by the great men and women with whom I have had the privilege to serve. When properly led, they will do incredible things each and every day.” 

As DNS, Haeuptle led a staff of more than 1,100 personnel, executing the business of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV). During his time as DNS, he directed the staff through historical events to include the stand-up of the Learning to Action Drive Team, Navy Problem Solving Office, Disruptive Capabilities Office, trilateral security partnership Australia, United Kingdom, and United States (AUKUS), and the management of delayed Senate confirmations of Navy Flag Officers.  

Haeuptle served in various leadership roles throughout his tenure, including Special Assistant to the President and the Senior Director of the White House Situation Room, the National Security Council’s Chief Information Officer, and as the Chief of Staff for the Under Secretary of the Navy. His Marine Corps career was spent predominantly in operational and deployed units and included senior-level positions within the Department of the Navy, Headquarters Marine Corps, Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council. 

His retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter, leaving a legacy of excellence and professionalism within the Navy.