SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 3rd Class Derek Ipock, a native of Morganton, North Carolina, joined the Navy because of a family connection.
“My dad was in the Navy and so was my grandpa,” said Ipock.
Now, two years, he serves with the Chargers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14, working with one of the Navy’s true workhorse aircraft at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego.
“I feel like I have the best orders in the Navy,” said Ipock. “We’re here in San Diego and I love the people I work with.”
A 2014 graduate of Robert L. Patton High School, Ipock is a yeoman with HSC 14, a versatile squadron that’s capable of completing a number of important missions for the Navy with the MH-60S “Seahawk” helicopter.
“My job is human resources. I’m responsible for everyone’s evaluations and for awards,” said Ipock. “I write a lot of Navy correspondence as well. I’ve been in the office longer than anyone so even though I’m a junior person, I help provide a lot of continuity to leadership.”
Ipock credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Morganton.
“I was taught to keep in touch with family and keep them first,”said Ipock. “Value the friendships that you make and be understanding of others. Be present. You’ll enjoy life the most if you live in the moment.”
Article Courtesy of Navy Office of Community Outreach
