Commander Hines’ first officer tour of duty was aboard USS LASSEN (DDG 82) where he served forty-three months as Electronics Material Officer, deployed to the Arabian Gulf, and earned his Surface Warfare qualification.  He then reported to USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) where he served as Combat Systems Test Officer and Fire Control Officer and deployed in the Western Pacific in support of various fleet exercises. After completing Department Head School in Newport, Rhode Island, he reported to USS LABOON (DDG 58) and served thirty-four months as Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer. While aboard LABOON, he deployed to the Mediterranean Sea in support of Operations ATLANTIC SENTRY and SHARP SENTRY.  Commander Hines then served as Surface Tomahawk Officer in Carrier Strike Group TWO embarked on USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 76) where he deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE (OIR). Commander Hines assumed duties as Executive Officer of USS SAN DIEGO (LPD 22) in Apr 18 and completed an 11-month CNO Selected Restricted Availability and Basic Phase Training through Sep 19. 
 

While ashore, he served as Station Commander for NATO SATCOM Ground Terminal F-3; as Maritime Homeland Defense Planner at United States Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk.

Commander Hines graduated Cum Laude from Southern Illinois University earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education.  He is a graduate of the United States Naval War College Newport, Rhode Island earning a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies while concurrently completing the Maritime Advanced War fighting School (MAWS) Planner course and Joint Professional Military Education (JPME I).

His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (seven awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards).