Rear Adm. R. Duke Heinz earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business from James Madison University and received his commission in 1989 through Officer Candidate School. He holds a Master of Science in Business Administration from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School, National Defense University. He is also a graduate of the University of North Carolina’s Executive Development Institute.

Heinz’s operational assignments include tours on USS Bergall (SSN 667), USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and USS Nimitz (CVN 68). During those tours he participated in Operation Desert Fox, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

His shore assignments include commander, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Weapon Systems Support (WSS); Strategy and Readiness Division chief for the Joint Chiefs of Staff J4; commanding officer, NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center, Jacksonville; director, Aviation Operations at NAVSUP WSS, Philadelphia; head, Program Objective Memorandum Development Section, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, N80, Washington, D.C.; S-3 Integrated Weapons System team lead, NAVSUP WSS; lieutenant shore detailer, NAVSUP Office of Personnel, Millington; supply officer for Navy Flight Demonstration Team Blue Angels and aviation support division officer, Naval Air Station Lemoore.

Heinz assumed the duties as director of logistics (J4), U.S. European Command in June 2020.

Heinz is entitled to wear the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, along with various other personal, unit and service awards. He is also a qualified Naval Aviation Supply officer, Submarine Warfare Supply Corps officer and member of the Defense Acquisition Professional Community.