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 from the University of Maryland and 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. 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 well as tours in the Surface Warfare Directorate of the Chief of Naval Operations’ Staff (OPNAV N96) and in the Joint Staff’s Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate (J5). He also 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 Yard Patrol training craft.

Trinque’s flag assignments include Assistant Commander, Navy Personnel Command for Career Management (PERS-4) in Millington, Tennessee; and Director, Strategic Plans, Policy, and Logistics (J5/J4) at United States Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

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

Last Updated: 2 July 2025