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

OSCS(SW) Benjamin D. Heaton Senior Enlisted Leader

Commodore CAPT Weissenfels Chief Staff Officer CDR Gilbert Senior Enlisted Leader OSCS(SW) Heaton

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Senior Chief Heaton is a Native of Beaufort, South Carolina. He enlisted in the Navy in May of 1994, attending recruit training at RTC Great Lakes, Illinois.

He reported to USS BOONE (FFG-28) stationed at Mayport, FL in August of 1994 completing two deployments in the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas in support of Operation SHARP GUARD, and one deployment and several patrols to the Carribean Sea and Eastern Pacific in support of Counter-Drug Operations. His duties included Track Supervisor, Air Intercept Controller (AIC), Combat Information Center (CIC) Watch Supervisor and Watch Officer.

He reported to Fleet Combat Training Center, Atlantic (FCTCLANT) at Virginia Beach, VA in October, 1999 as an AIC Instructor for AIC Basic, AIC Intermediate, AIC Supervisor and was Course Supervisor for AIC Requalification. He also attained the AIC Supervisor designation and was advanced to First Class Petty Officer.

He reported to USS CARNEY (DDG-64) stationed at Mayport, FL in August 2002, completing two deployments in the Mediterranean Sea and Eastern Pacific conducting various exercises with foreign navies and participating in UNITASPAC 2006. He duties included Leading Chief Petty Officer for OI and Training Divisions, CIC Watch Officer and Anti-Air Warfare Coordinator. While attached, he was selected for Chief Petty Officer in 2004 and attended the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) in May of 2003.

He reported to Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center at Fallon , NV in October 2006 as a Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) Instructor. In addition to training Strike Fighter Tactics Instructors and TOPGUN AIC, his efforts contributed to the signing of a new instruction by COMNAVAIRFOR and COMNAVSURFOR revamping the Air Intercept Control community qualification and training processes. He was advanced to Senior Chief in 2007.

He has earned the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, Master Training Specialist, and is a graduate of Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN). His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (gold star), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal as well as various other unit and campaign awards.

Senior Chief Heaton currently serves as Senior Enlisted Leader for Commander, Tactical Air Control Group One at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado in San Diego, California.