Rear Adm. Heames is a native of Sierra Vista, AZ. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and a Master of Science in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego. He is a graduate of the Australian Command and Staff college where he earned a Master of Military Studies from the Australian National University.

His sea duty assignments include USS Valley Forge (CG 50), Destroyer Squadron TWENTY-ONE, USS Howard (DDG 83), and Destroyer Squadron FIFTEEN. He commanded USS Preble (DDG 88) where he received the 2015 Secretary of the Navy Innovation Leadership Award. His major commands were Destroyer Squadron TWENTY-THREE and Surface Development Squadron ONE.

Ashore, he served as Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director, Missile Defense Agency in Arlington, Virginia, Assignments Detailer in the Surface Warfare Assignments Branch (PERS-41), Navy Personnel Command, Millington, Tennessee, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, Training and Readiness (N3/N7) at the Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center Headquarters in San Diego, California, Director of Surface Warfare Assignments (PERS-41), Navy Personnel Command, Millington, Tennessee, and Assistant Commander (PERS-4), Navy Personnel Command, Millington, Tennessee.

He assumed duties as Commander of Carrier Strike Group FIVE and Task Force SEVEN ZERO in August 2026.

His awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and various other personal, unit and service awards.

Last Updated: 19 August 2026