He entered service in the Spanish Navy, and was the third man to set foot on enemy territory during the recapture of Oran in 1732.

During the War of Jenkins' Ear in 1741, he served in the successful defence of Cartagena de Indias and in 1747 received his first command, the warship Nueva España.

On 6 June 1762 a powerful British invasion force under the Earl of Albemarle began the Siege of Havana.

Hevia's ships played no part in the battle, as all the guns and men were disembarked and used to defend the forts.

He was stripped of his titles and condemned to house arrest for 10 years but thanks to the influence of his father-in-law Juan José Navarro, who was Captain general of the Navy, Hevia was pardoned on 17 September 1765 on the occasion of the wedding of Charles, the Prince of Asturia and reinstated in his previous titles.