CDR Wilbur R. Hines

Past Commanding Officer, Naval Beach Unit SEVEN

02 June 2021 CDR Hines is a native of Brooklyn, New York, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1988 as an Electronics Technician and rose to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He received his commission as an Officer in 2002 through the merit-based Limited Duty Officer program and selected to Unrestricted Line Officer in 2009.
 
CDR 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 Operation 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.   CDR Hines most recently completed an 18 month tour as Executive Officer of Naval Beach Unit SEVEN.
 
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 in Education.  He is a graduate of the Naval War College, earning a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies while concurrently completing the Maritime Advanced War Fighting School (MAWS) Planner course and JPME 1. 
 
His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (seven awards) and the Navy Achievement Medal (four awards), along with various meritorious unit and campaign ribbons.