Academic Background
Middle Tennessee State University
Hinds graduated in 2014 from Middle Tennessee State University with a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Religion. His undergraduate work supported his later assignments involving regional awareness, international coordination, and work with foreign military partners.
Lipscomb University
In 2016, he earned a master’s degree in Christian Practice and Conflict Management from Lipscomb University. His graduate work focused on leadership, conflict management, communication, and applied ethics.
Surface Navy and Patrol Coastal Service
USS Stump (DD 978)
Hinds served aboard USS Stump, a Spruance-class destroyer, during the early part of his Navy career. This assignment provided experience in deployed surface combatant operations and shipboard watchstanding.
USS Vandegrift (FFG 48)
He later served aboard USS Vandegrift, an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate. His service included maritime security related operations, shipboard readiness, and combat information center watchstanding.
Patrol Coastal Crew Juliet
As Navigator and Training Officer with Patrol Coastal Crew Juliet, Hinds served aboard multiple Cyclone Class coastal patrol craft. His duties included navigation, training management, and support to patrol coastal operations.
Deployments and Operational Areas
Across five shipboard deployments, Hinds operated in the Western Pacific, South America, and Central Command. His deployments supported Operation Iraqi Freedom, counter-narcotics operations in South America, and maritime security patrols in the Far East.
His sea duty developed practical experience in maritime awareness, operational reporting, watch team coordination, and combat information center procedures. As an Operations Specialist, his work centered on maintaining the tactical picture, supporting watch teams, and assisting command decision making.
Reserve, Joint, and Coalition Operations
Reserve Assignment
Hinds served with Expeditionary Strike Group Seven in a maritime command environment involving expeditionary forces, operational planning, staff coordination, and regional mission support.
Battle Watch Captain
As a Battle Watch Captain with Military Sealift Command, Hinds worked in a watchfloor role connected to maritime logistics and operational continuity. The assignment required operational awareness, reporting, and coordination in support of military sealift missions.
Joint Operations Center Watch Supervisor
Hinds served as the Joint Operations Center Watch Supervisor for Combined Joint Task Force, Horn of Africa. This role required coordination across components, operational reporting, and situational awareness across a joint operating environment.
Operations Leading Chief Petty Officer
As Operations Leading Chief Petty Officer for ECRC Forward Central Command, Hinds assisted Sailors deployed across various countries in Southwest Asia. The assignment supported individual augmentees and expeditionary personnel operating outside traditional shipboard command structures.
Assistant Foreign Ship Liaison Officer
At Navy Region Hawaii, Hinds served as Assistant Foreign Ship Liaison Officer and coordinated port visits to Pearl Harbor for more than 60 foreign naval vessels. This role involved naval protocol, operational coordination, security, logistics, and foreign navy coordination.
Final Mobilization
His final mobilization was as Operations Leading Chief Petty Officer and Deputy Staff Operations Officer for Coalition Task Force Sentinel. His duties supported maritime security, coalition coordination, staff operations, and operational reporting.
Personal Decorations
Navy Commendation Medal
Two awards.
Joint Service Achievement Medal
Awarded for service in a joint assignment.
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Six awards.
Contractor and Joint Staff Work
Following his retirement from naval service, Hinds continued supporting the Department of Defense as a contractor. He initially served as a Joint Exercise Planner for U.S. Fleet Forces Command, contributing to the planning and execution of joint exercises supporting readiness, integration, and operational effectiveness.
He currently serves as an assessments analyst supporting Joint Staff J7. His work applies operational experience to the assessment of exercises, operations, and lessons learned across the Joint Force.
This work focuses on identifying what occurred, what changed, what was learned, and what should be improved. His background in watchstanding, staff operations, shipboard assignments, joint task forces, and coalition operations provides context for that assessment work.
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
Smithfield Flotilla Commander
Hinds serves in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s East District Southern Region. As Flotilla Commander for the Smithfield Flotilla, 054-05-09, he supports member development, training, qualifications, and unit readiness.
His local priorities include developing qualified boat crew, coxswains, and watchstanders, increasing operational activity in support of recreational boating safety, and maintaining relationships with local agencies, civic organizations, and community partners.
Hinds views service in the Auxiliary as a continuation of service to country and community through maritime safety, readiness, training, and public service.
Join the U.S. Coast Guard AuxiliaryNational Staff, International Affairs
On the Auxiliary’s National Staff, Hinds serves as Branch Chief, EUCOM Liaison in the International Affairs Directorate. In this role, he supports coordination between Auxiliary capability, Coast Guard objectives, and operational needs in Europe.
His work supports planning and coordination for engagement, exercises, and outreach connected to Coast Guard interests and Auxiliary support to operational requirements.
Service Outside the Uniform
Scouting America
Hinds serves Scouting America as District Commissioner for the Colonial Virginia Council’s Old Dominion District. In that role, he supports units, mentors volunteer leaders, and promotes youth development through outdoor skills, leadership, service, and character development.
His Scouting service aligns with his broader focus on training, leadership development, and support to local volunteer organizations.
Nonprofit Leadership
Hinds also supports nonprofit organizations through board service and consulting. His nonprofit work focuses on practical program support, governance, and community service.
Professional Formation
Biographical Summary
Adam Hinds is a retired Navy Chief Operations Specialist whose service included shipboard deployments, patrol coastal operations, Reserve assignments, joint operations, coalition maritime security, and foreign naval coordination.
Following retirement from naval service, he continued Department of Defense support as a contractor, first as a Joint Exercise Planner for U.S. Fleet Forces Command and later as an assessments analyst supporting Joint Staff J7. He also serves in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Scouting America, and nonprofit leadership roles.