Monroe resident Derek DeBoer has completed four years as a midshipman.
By: Al Wicklund
MONROE Midshipman Derek B. DeBoer, who in 1998 was the first Monroe Township High School graduate to receive an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduates from the academy today (Friday).
Mr. DeBoer will receive a bachelor of science degree in ocean engineering and will be commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy.
While receiving his college degree and commission as an officer, Mr. DeBoer will be looking forward to the fall when he begins flight training at the Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida.
"I report to Pensacola in October. In the meantime, I’ll be at Annapolis working with the incoming class of plebes (the freshman class at the academy)," Mr. DeBoer said Tuesday.
He said, after the first several months of what will be more than two years training with aircraft at Pensacola, he and the other Navy flyers-to-be will specialize in jets, helicopters or propeller-driven aircraft.
"At this point, my preference is to fly jets," he said.
Mr. DeBoer said the first year at the academy was rough.
"I was up every morning at 5:30, getting used to military life and many five- and eight-mile runs," he said.
Mr. DeBoer said, after the first year, the mornings got easier.
"You had to be up in time to make 7 a.m. formations," he said.
He said the best part of the academy has been the friendships he has made.
"You meet some great people from all parts of the country," he said.
He said he also enjoyed the travel. His summer cruises and other training included, working with submarines, jets and with the U.S. Marine Corps.
In addition, he said he traveled as a member of the Naval Academy Men’s Glee Club, touring the mainland United States, Hawaii and Europe.
In high school, Mr. DeBoer was captain of the Monroe football and wrestling teams.
"I didn’t play on any academy varsity teams, but at Annapolis you participate in intramural fall, winter and spring sports. There’s plenty of physical activity," he said.
Mr. DeBoer’s brother, Brant, a 2001 graduate of Monroe High and the second Monroe student to be appointed to the academy, is completing his plebe year this spring.
"We’ve seen each other through the year, but we’re both so busy we haven’t had much time to chat," he said.