Capt. Patrice R. Hentz is a native of Memphis, Tennessee and graduated from Norfolk State University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics. She also earned a Master of Applied Science in Operations Analysis from Naval Postgraduate School in 2007, graduated from Nuclear Power School and Prototype in 2010, qualified Nuclear Engineer in 2012, earned Joint Professional Military Education Phase I from Naval War College in 2014 and JPME II from the Joint Forces Staff College in 2022.
Afloat, she served as the Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer in USS Mahan (DDG 72) where she earned her Surface Warfare Officer designation. She subsequently served as the Main and Auxiliary Machinery Room Nuclear Division Officer aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN 65), where she qualified as a Nuclear Engineer.
Ashore, Capt. Hentz served on the staff of Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command from 2012 to 2014 as an Inspector General Data Analyst. During this tour she lateral transferred into the Human Resources Community. Her first HR Officer tour was on the staff of Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic where she served as the Staff Executive Officer and Budget Officer from 2014 until 2017. Later, she served as the Commanding Officer of the Military Entrance Processing Station in Lansing, Michigan, from 2017 until 2019. In Washington D.C., Capt. Hentz served as Head of Officer Accessions for the Officer Plans and Policy (N131) Branch on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, N1. Following that assignment, she served as Flag Aide and member of the Strategic Integration Group for the 41st Vice Chief of Naval Operations from 2020 until 2022. In January 2023, Capt. Hentz assumed command of the Transient Personnel Unit, Norfolk.
Capt. Hentz earned her Certified Defense Financial Management and Professional Human Resources certifications.
Her personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various service and unit awards.