Rear Admiral Derek Trinque is a native of Holliston, Massachusetts and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. He holds master’s degrees in International Business from the University of Maryland and in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

A career Surface Warfare Officer, he has commanded Expeditionary Strike Group Seven/Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet (Task Force 76/3), USS NORMANDY (CG 60), USS O’KANE (DDG 77), and Coastal Minehunter Crews VALOR and EXCEL (including command of USS OSPREY (MHC 51), USS CARDINAL (MHC 60), USS SHRIKE (MHC 62), USS ROBIN (MHC 54), and USS PELICAN (MHC 53)).  He previously served as Operations Officer on USS COLE (DDG 67) and USS NORMANDY (CG 60), and as a division officer in the Combat Systems, Operations, and Engineering Departments on USS PHILIPPINE SEA (CG 58).

 Ashore, Rear Admiral Trinque has served as the Director, Surface Officer Distribution Division (PERS-41) at Navy Personnel Command, as the Branch Head for Integrated Air and Missile Defense in the Surface Warfare Directorate of the Chief of Naval Operations’ Staff (OPNAV N96) and in the Ballistic Missile Defense Policy branch of the Joint Staff’s Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate (J5). He completed a previous tour as a Surface Warfare Assignments Officer in PERS-41.  His first shore tour was as a Seamanship and Navigation instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he also qualified as an Officer in Charge of the Naval Academy’s 108-foot Yard Patrol training craft.  

Rear Admiral Trinque’s first assignment as a Flag Officer was as the Assistant Commander, Navy Personnel Command for Career Management (PERS-4) in Millington, Tennessee.

Rear Admiral Trinque’s awards include the Combat Action Ribbon and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (six awards).

Last Updated: 19 January 2024