Hailing from Saugus, California, Commander Haines graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2001, earning a Bachelor of Science in History. He then reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in October 2001. He earned his Naval Aviator wings in February 2003 and in March 2003, CDR Haines reported to the HS-10 "Warhawks" for initial fleet training as an SH-60F / HH-60H Anti-submarine and combat search and rescue pilot.

Haines began his operational flying in October 2003 with the “World Famous Golden Falcons” of HS-2. While a “Golden Falcon”, he made two western pacific (WESTPAC) deployments aboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72), participated in Operation UNIFIED ASSISTANCE, providing disaster relief to the people of Sumatra following the 2005 tsunami. For his actions during the relief and rescue efforts he was awarded the Sikorsky Rescue Pin and Humanitarian Service Medal.

In September 2006 CDR Haines qualified in the MH-60S and began instructing at HSC Weapons School Pacific. In April 2007 he graduated from NAWDC’s Rotary Wing Weapons School weapons and tactics instructor course, “Seawolf.” During this tour he was one of the initial MH-60S Armed Helo Cadre introducing FLIR / HELLFIRE to FRS and the fleet. Additionally, he was the subject matter expert for Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE) while also managing the MH-60S training program. Lastly, CDR Haines was selected as the 2008 HS Pilot of the Year.
     
In 2009 CDR Haines reported to Commander CARRIER AIR WING ELEVEN (CVW-11) as the “Barbwire” staff helicopter operations officer. While aboard CVW-11, he deployed aboard USS NIMITZ supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and 3rd Fleet operations. 

CDR Haines returned to the squadron as a Department Head in HSC-6, the “Screamin’ Indians”. While with the Screamin’ Indians, he completed one RIMPAC and one deployment aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, serving as both Operations Officer and Maintenance Officer. While at HSC-6, he helped introduce the M-197 20mm weapons system to fleet and integrate its use on the aircraft carrier. Lastly, while assigned to HSC-6, CDR Haines was selected as the 2013 AIRPAC HSC Pilot of the Year.

Following his department head tour, CDR Haines served as a watch officer, Situation Center (SITCEN), NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. As a watch officer, he was responsible for the collection and monitoring of open source and classified intelligence of strategic importance to the North Atlantic Council, the Secretary General (SECGEN), the International and Military Staffs.

CDR Haines has accumulated over 2,500 flight hours in 5 aircraft. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards), and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various service awards and ribbons. He holds an Executive Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Last Updated: 9 February 2021