About Cmdr. Dale Heinken

Cmdr. Dale Heinken is executive officer of the blue crew of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) USS Freedom (LCS-1), which is on its maiden deployment to the Asia-Pacific.  


Recent Posts By the Author


Opinion: Navy's Littoral Combat Ship Challenges the Status Quo

Opinion: Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship Challenges the Status Quo

USS Freedom (LCS 1) gets underway. Freedom is underway as part of the Republic of Singapore Navy's Western Pacific Multi-lateral Sea Exercise (WMSX). US Navy Photo

USS Freedom (LCS 1) gets underway. Freedom is underway as part of the Republic of Singapore Navy’s Western Pacific Multi-lateral Sea Exercise (WMSX). US Navy Photo

The world is a dynamic and uncertain place where threats can come from anywhere. Accordingly, the U.S. Navy’s missions have evolved to include defeating terrorists, pirates and illegal traffickers; preparing to counter mines and armed small boats; providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; and building partnerships to take on maritime-security missions. Read More