Deputy Director

Major Derek M. Abbey

Major Abbey enlisted in the Marine Corps in August 1991.  After graduating Recruit Training at MCRD San Diego and completing Marine Combat Training in MCB Camp Pendleton he reported to Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School in 29 Palms, CA to train as a Field Radio Operator and a Microwave Communication Equipment Operator.

Maj Abbey spent his first enlistment assigned to MWCS-38 in MCAS El Toro, CA as a member of MUX platoon.  In 1995 he was selected for the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP) and assigned to Oregon State University to complete a degree and earn a commission. 

In 1999 he was commissioned a 2nd Lt in the Marine Corps and sent to MCB Quantico, VA for The Basic School (TBS).  While attending TBS he was selected to attend Flight School in Pensacola, Florida. In March of 2000 he started flight school and in December of 2001 was winged a Naval Flight Officer and ordered to the F/A-18 Fleet Replacement Squadron at MCAS Miramar in San Diego, California.

Maj Abbey joined his first Fleet Fighter Squadron, VMFA(AW)-121 in December 2002 and deployed for combat a month later.  Between then and May 2007, he also served with VMFA(AW)-242.  During his tour with the squadrons he went on four deployments, three combat deployments and one to the Far East.

Following his time flying Major Abbey was selected to join 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion in Camp Pendleton, California. As a member of Marine Special Operations Company Delta he did another combat deployment to the Middle East. 

Returning from deployment Major Abbey was promoted to his current rank in August 2009 and assigned to the University of San Diego.  At USD he completed a Masters of Arts degree in Higher Education Leadership as part of the Advance Degree Program.

Major Abbey reported to Train the Trainer School in July 2011.