Commander Hesse graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. He is a native of Miami, Florida.
Following completion of initial nuclear power and submarine training, Commander Hesse served as Electrical Officer, Reactor Controls Officer and Damage Control Assistant on board USS FINBACK (SSN 670).
Commander Hesse next attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where he earned a masters degree in operations research. In 1988, he reported to USS ALBUQUERQUE (SSN 706) as Navigator and Operations Officer.
From 1991 to 1993, Commander Hesse served as a naval warfare analyst in the Force Structure and Resources Directorate of the Joint Staff in Washington, D.C., where he helped determine future attack submarine force requirements for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Commander Hesse then served as Executive Officer of USS STONEWALL JACKSON (SSBN 634) (BLUE), where he completed her final strategic deterrent patrol and operations in the Western Atlantic prior to decommissioning. He next served as Executive Officer of USS L. MENDEL RIVERS (SSN 686), where he conducted Naval Special Warfare operations in the Atlantic and Caribbean.
From 1996 through 1997, Commander Hesse served on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, Assessment Division. In this assignment, he assessed program options for the Navy and deterrnined joint warfighting requirements along with the Army, Air Force and Marine Corps.
Commander Hesse's personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal with four gold stars, and the Navy Achievement Medal.
CAPT (select) Hesse currently serves at Submarine Group SEVEN in Yokosuka, Japan.
Commander Hesse said this when captain of KAMEHAMEHA: