Commander Robert J. Wheat, United States Navy
Robert “Jeremy” Wheat
Federal Executive Fellow
International Security Studies Program
The Fletcher School, Tufts University
Commander Wheat was born in Kentucky, attended the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (with merit), and was commissioned in May 2000. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College’s College of Naval Command and Staff (with highest distinction) and Maritime Advanced Warfighting School.
Afloat Commander Wheat served in USS DEVASTATOR (MCM 6) as First Lieutenant and Weapons Officer. While onboard DEVASTATOR he completed several exercises and a 2003 deployment to the U.S. Sixth Fleet in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
Upon completion of EOD training at the Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Commander Wheat was assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) FIVE, Agana, Guam where he served as a Detachment Officer-in-Charge and Assistant Operations Officer. He subsequently reported to Naval Special Clearance Team (NSCT) ONE, Coronado, CA where he served as Very Shallow Water MCM Marine Mammal Platoon Officer-in-Charge. When NSCT ONE transitioned to EODMU ONE Commander Wheat assumed duties as EOD Company ONE TWO Company Commander. During this time, Commander Wheat completed several deployments in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Commander Wheat served as the Executive Officer of Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) ONE, Pearl Harbor, HI. Most recently, he served as the Commanding Officer EODMU ONE from April 2017 until June 2019. As Commanding Officer he led twelve Platoons and a deployable Headquarters staff conducting worldwide explosive ordnance disposal and expeditionary mine countermeasures operations in support of Fleet and Combatant Command requirements.
Ashore Commander Wheat served as the Mine Warfare Current Operations Officer and Readiness Officer on the staff of Commander, Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command. Subsequently he served as the Chief of Korea Plans on the staff of Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Plans and Policy Directorate (N5).
Commander Wheat is a 2019-2020 Federal Executive Fellow in the International Security Studies Program at The Fletcher School, Tufts University.
Commander Wheat’s personal decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (with Combat Distinguishing Device and 2nd Award), Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2nd Award), Navy Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Combat Action Ribbon and various service and campaign awards. He is qualified as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer, Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, Salvage Officer, Basic Diving Officer and Naval Parachutist.