Commander Heilmann, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, graduated from Duquesne University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and received his commission through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC). After initial flight training in Pensacola he reported to VAW-120 for E-2 Airborne Battle Manager training and was designated a Naval Flight Officer (NFO) in 2012.

CDR Heilmann began his operational career with the “Tigertails” of VAW-125 in Norfolk, Virginia. During this tour, he completed the inaugural E-2D Advanced Hawkeye deployment aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt in support of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR). He graduated from the TOPGUN Air Intercept Control course and was recognized as the Airborne Command & Control Logistics Wing (ACCLOGWING) NFO of the Year (Sea).

His first shore assignment was at the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School (CAEWWS), where he graduated from the Hawkeye Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course, served as the subject matter expert in Combat Identification and Advanced Programs, and was named the ACCLOGWING NFO of the Year (Shore).

Following his tour at CAEWWS, CDR Heilmann returned to VAW-125 as the Training Officer, completing two Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployments with Carrier Air Wing FIVE aboard USS Ronald Reagan. He subsequently served as the ACCLOGWING Training Officer before reporting to the VAW-117 “Wallbangers” as a Department Head. While at VAW-117, he served as the Maintenance and Administration Officer and deployed with Carrier Air Wing NINE aboard USS Abraham Lincoln in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) operations.

CDR Heilmann's most recent assignment was at the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC), where he served as the Assistant Department Head for CAEWWS and Chairman of the Hawkeye Tactics Analysis Team (HETAT), leading a team of exceptionally talented WTIs in advanced tactics development and training. 

CDR Heilmann has accumulated over 2,200 flight hours in the E-2D. His personal decorations include the Strike Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and various other unit and campaign awards.
 

Last Updated: 22 April 2025