Thomas Heins of Fort Myers serving in the Indian Ocean

by The 100 Companies January 18, 2022

January 18, 2022

Navy Machinist’s Mate Fireman Thomas Heins, from Fort Myers, left, conducts maintenance on a burner barrel aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), Jan. 8. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Wesley Richardson)

Fort Myers’ own Navy Machinist’s Mate Fireman Thomas Heins has found himself a long way from home – approximately 11,000 miles from Florida – on the other side of the globe, serving in the Indian Ocean.

He is on the Essex, flagship of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), along with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), which is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with alliances and partners and serve as a ready response force to ensure maritime security and a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

SWFL is proud of your service, Thomas Heins!

– Cyndee Woolley, APR, C2 Communications