Rear Adm. Hendrickson was born and raised in Marquette, Iowa, and graduated from Iowa State University in December 1983 were he received a double major in political science and naval science. He holds a master’s degree in National Security Affairs with sub-specialties in Far Eastern/Pacific Studies and Strategic Planning, International Organization and Negotiations from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif.

Hendrickson’s sea tours include command of USS Lake Erie (CG 70) from June 2006 to April 2008, and USS Ramage (DDG 61) from March 2002 to November 2003. During his command tours the crew earned consecutive Battle Effectiveness and Golden Anchor Retention awards. Lake Erie also received the 2007 Secretary of the Navy and Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award and the James F. Chezek Memorial Gunnery Award.

Prior to command of Ramage, Hendrickson served as the commissioning executive officer in USS Decatur (DDG 73) and as combat systems officer in USS Chandler (DDG 996) as well as division officer assignments as a plankowner in USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and in USS Garcia (FF 1040).

Hendrickson’s shore tours include, most recently as, deputy director of the Missile Defense Agency; Missile Defense branch head in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Surface Warfare Directorate; military assistant to the principal deputy under secretary of Defense for Policy; force planner in the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Strategy; requirements officer for the Navy Theater Wide Ballistic Missile Defense Program; and force air warfare officer at commander, Naval Surface Force Pacific. Hendrickson assumed his current duties as both commander, Navy Air and Missile Defense Command and Missile Defense Agency program executive, Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense in October 2012.

Hendrickson's personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal (two awards), Legion of Merit (two awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), and various other personal and unit awards.