Rear Admiral John R. Hines is a native of Hingham, Mass. He graduated from St. Anselm's College in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics. He reported to Aviation Officer Candidate School in August 1972 and was commissioned an Ensign in December of that year. He was designated a Naval Aviator in April 1974 in Beeville, Tex. Hines’ first assignment was to Air Anti-Submarine Warfare Squadron 32, flying the S-3A Viking. During this tour he completed two cruises in USS John F. Kennedy. In June 1978 he was assigned to Training Squadron Seven, Meridian, Miss., as an instructor pilot in the A-4 Skyhawk. Subsequent to his release from active duty in July 1979, Hines joined COMTRAWING ONE Detachment 182 where he served as a flight instructor until being transferred to Attack Squadron 1287 in 1982 flying the A-7 Corsair II. During his nine years at Naval Air Station Alameda, Hines served in Attack Squadron 1287, Attack Squadron 303 and Attack Squadron 304. He was selected for command and served as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron 1287 from September 1987 to October 1988. He served as Executive Officer of Attack Squadron 304 from October 1988 to April 1990 during the squadrons transition to the A-6 Intruder. Hines assumed command of Attack Squadron 304 in May 1990. During his tour as Commanding Officer, the "Firebirds" of VA-304 were awarded the Golden Anchor for retention and two consecutive Silver Bullet awards for Ordnance Department excellence. After his tour with VA-304, Hines was selected for assignment to NR STKWARCEN 0287 based at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada. He performed in numerous positions during his tour at Strike and was selected as Commanding Officer in September 1995. During his tenure as Commanding Officer, the unit was awarded the Robert I Barto Trophy as the best Naval Air Reserve Augment Unit. His next assignment was as Commanding Officer of NR NAVAIRPAC 1094 in San Diego, Calif. Hines subsequently was selected as the Commanding Officer of Commander, Sixth Fleet Detachment 802. His initial Flag assignment was Deputy Commander, Sixth Fleet in Gaeta, Italy. Recalled to active duty from November 1999 to March 2000, he served as Deputy Commander, Joint Task Force Southwest Asia, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, supporting Operation Southern Watch. In August 2000, he was assigned duties as Deputy Commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet. He assumed the position of Deputy Commander, Third Fleet, August 2002. In January 2003 he was again recalled to active duty where he served as Commander, Carrier Group One with a subsequent assignment as Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group One. In December 2004 he was recalled as Commander, Carrier Strike Group Seven and Commander, John C. Stennis and Ronald Reagan Strike Groups. He returned to Deputy Commander Third Fleet in May 2005. During his active duty and reserve career, he has accumulated over 3600 hours and 160 carrier landings. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal (4 Awards). Hines is on recall to Commander Third Fleet in San Diego.