Lieutenant, U.S. Navy

Lieutenant Derek Hotchkiss is from Bath, Ohio, graduated from Revere High School in 1994, where he played varsity football and basketball. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School and graduated in 1995. Upon completion Derek attended the U.S. Naval Academy where he played football and graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree in political science.

After commissioning, Derek attended the Navy Supply Corps School (NSCS) in Athens, Georgia, graduating in December 1999. He then reported in January 2000 to Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, Washington, where he served initially as the food service officer and later as services officer, supporting more than 20 Navy commands and over 9,000 Department of Defense (DoD) personnel. During his tour, Derek assisted the Aviation Support Division (ASD) where he provided logistic support to more than 13 EA-6B Prowler squadrons, five P-3 squadrons in addition to the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department. While there, Derek qualified as a naval aviation supply officer (NASO).

In December 2001, Derek reported to the Naval Security Group Activity, Fort George G. Meade, Maryland where he was the Supply Department head and head Comptroller for the largest Naval Security Command in the Navy supporting more than 2,000 people. As the supply officer, Derek had accountability of more than $5 million in operating funds and oversight of contracts and purchase cards for the headquarters of the Commander, Naval Security Group Command.