Official U.S. Navy website - Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

Captain Mike Hegarty enlisted in the United States Navy in 1976 immediately after High School. Initially serving in USS TREPANG (SSN-674), a fast attack submarine, he afterwards instructed at Basic Enlisted Submarine School. During this time frame, he promoted to Chief Petty Officer, attained a B.A. in Education from Southern Illinois University, and received a commission as an Engineering LDO.

Initial sea tours following commissioning include Boilers Officer and Main Propulsion Assistant in USS CHARLES F. ADAMS (DDG-2); Assistant Material Officer on COMDESRON TWELVE staff and Chief Engineer in USS PAUL (FF-1080).

After re-designating as a Surface Warfare Officer and following Department Head School, he served as Chief Engineer in USS LEAHY (CG-16), Chief Engineer in USS ENGLAND (CG-22), Weapons Officer on COMDESRON SEVENTEEN staff and Combat Systems Officer on COMDESRON EIGHTEEN staff.

Command tours include USS DEXTROUS (MCM-13) (FDNF in Bahrain) and Commissioning CO of USS NITZE (DDG-94).

Tours ashore include Combat Systems Instructor at Department head school (SWOS); Student at the Naval War College (M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies); Head Surface Placement Officer at Naval Personnel Command in Millington TN; an IA in Baghdad and Basra in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; Deputy Chief Readiness Officer and N6 for Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic; and Executive Assistant to Commander, Naval Surface Forces, Pacific Fleet.

Personal awards include: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.