Hedding served on the USS Maryland (BB-46) after Naval Academy graduation, and in 1926 was designated naval aviator. He received his MS from MIT in 1931, served in the USS Saratoga (CV-3), was in Bureau of Aeronautics in Washington, commanded Fighting Squadron 2-B based on the USS Lexington (CV-2), and was air officer and XO on the USS Essex (CV-9). In 1943 Hedding became Chief of Staff, Commander Carrier Division Three, participating in raids on the Gilberts, Kwajalein, Marianas, Truk, and Palau. He then served as CO of the USS Valley Forge (CV-45)

was on the Joint Staff of JCS; Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, CinCPac; Commander Formosa Patrol Force in 1953; Department Director, Joint Staff Office, JCS; Commander Carrier Division Three in 1955; and Bureau of Aeronautics General Representative, Western District, until his retirement in 1959.