Master Chief Heering, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, enlisted in the United States Navy in January 1997. Following completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois he reported to Submarine Learning Center, Groton, Connecticut where he completed Basic Enlisted Submarine School as well as Fire Control Technician Pipeline. Upon graduation, he reported for duty onboard USS BOSTON SSN 702 stationed in Groton, Connecticut as part of the decommissioning crew. His follow on fleet assignments where onboard USS LOUISVILLE SSN 724 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, USS SANTA FE SSN 763, and USS CHARLOTTE SSN 766. In addition, Master Chief Heering completed shore assignments at Naval Submarine Support Command, Pearl Harbor Hawaii, the Tactical Readiness Team, and currently is assigned as the Chief of the Boat for the Combat Readiness Team for Commander Submarine Forces Atlantic in Norfolk, Virginia. Master Chief Heering holds a Bachelor of Science and Business Administration Degree with a major in Computer Information Systems from Hawaii Pacific University. Additionally, Master Chief Heering is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy Class 192, Command Master Chief Course and has earned his Enlisted Submarine Warfare designation. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (9 awards), and various unit and campaign awards. Additionally, he was the 2019 award winner of the Naval Submarine League's Fleet Master Chief Frank A. Lister award for Exceptional Leadership and Motivation while serving as Chief of the Boat onboard PCU DELAWARE. Master Chief Heering is married to the former Lori Ashley Hopper of Lexington, Tennessee and has three children; Hadley, Christian, and Jameson.