CDR Robert Heater

Commander Robert Heater graduated from the University of Missouri in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and was commissioned through the Naval ROTC program. After earning his wings of gold in April 2002, he reported to the "Rough Raiders" of VFA-125 at NAS Lemoore for initial training in the F/A-18C Hornet. CDR Heaters’ first operational tour was with the "Sidewinders" of VFA-86. He deployed twice on the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65) in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM. He also had a third deployment aboard ENTERPRISE in the summer of 2004 supporting surge operations in the Northern Atlantic.

In 2006 CDR Heater was selected to become an instructor pilot with the VFA-122 "Eagles" at NAS Lemoore. During his time at the FRS, CDR Heater was the Intel Officer, BFM Phase Head, LSO and was also a Demonstration Pilot. After his tour in the FRS, CDR Heater reported aboard CVW-11, also at NAS Lemoore, as CAG LSO and Safety Officer. In July of 2009 he deployed for 8 months aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. After the deployment, CDR Heater was selected to become the AIRPAC LSO at Commander Naval Air Forces in North Island from August 2010 to September 2011.

In September of 2011 CDR Heater reported to the "Tophatters" of VFA-14 where he served as the Administration Officer, Operations Officer and Maintenance Officer. During his time as a department head, CDR Heater deployed twice aboard USS STENNIS (CVN-74) in support of Operations NEW DAWN and ENDURING FREEDOM. Following his Department Head tour, CDR Heater was assigned as the Maritime Domain Chief for Delta Crew in the Command Center at NORAD-USNORTHCOM in Colorado Springs, Colorado. During his time there he was one of the Maritime subject matter experts on crew and also served on the MCCC (Mobile Command and Control Center).

CDR Heater currently resides in Hanford, CA with his wife, Bren, and son, Blake. He reported as the Executive Officer for the "Sidewinders" of VFA-86 in May 2016.

CDR Heater’s awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (1),Strike/Flight Air Medal (3), Navy Commendation Medal (4), Navy Achievement Medal (1) and numerous unit and campaign medals as well as the 2009 COMNAVAIRPAC LSO of the Year. CDR Heater has accumulated over 2500 flight hours and 700 arrested landings over six deployments.