A Retirement Ceremony was held in honor of Commander Dexter J. Triplett of the United States Navy on August 6, 2021 at the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, FL with his mother Catherine Triplett (late father Floyd Triplett) , his wife Yolanda, their children, Cameron and Courtney, his sibling Shalonda Triplett and Mere Eichelberger, his classmates, his frat brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Actually, his hometown of Louisville, MS Fan Club were there for the ceremony. Patricia Ball, one of his fans and god sister stated, “Now, that I have made it back to Louisville, I want to tell you that my god brother’s (Dexter) retirement was one of the most amazing events that I’ve ever attended! There wasn’t a dry eye in our section! He was supported by a tremendous amount of family and friends! I’m so proud and overjoyed of his many accomplishments that he achieved during his 32 years in the United States Navy. Hats off to you Commander Dexter Triplett!!!”
The presiding officer for the ceremony was Colonel Jeffrey M. Pavelko USMC, Commodore, Training Air Wing FIVE. The guest speaker was LCDR (Ret) James Plaggemeyer, USN.
Commander Triplett enlisted in the U.S. Navy in May 1989. After graduating from RTC San Diego and Aviation Electrician “A” School in Millington, TN, he reported to Fighter Squadron 103 “Jolly Rogers”, NAS Oceana, VA. He deployed aboard U.S.S. Saratoga, CV60 and participated in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In September 1993, after completing Air Traffic Control “A” School in Millington, TN, CDR Triplett reported to NAS Pensacola, Sherman Field. He served as Facility Watch, Radar and Tower Supervisor.
CDR Triplett graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. He received his commission via the enlisted Commissioning Program (ECP) and NROTC in May 2001 and began flight school with VT-6 at NAS Whiting Field, Milton, Florida. Upon completion of Advance Pilot Training at VT-31in NAS Corpus Christi, TX, he was designated a Naval Aviator.
In August 2003, CDR Triplett reported to the “World Watchers” of VQ-1. There he served as Aviation Safety Officer. He deployed on six EP-3 operational detachments in support of the PACOM and CENTCOM. CDR Triplett served as Electronic Warfare Aircraft Commander, Mission Commander, Instructor Pilot and Functional Check Pilot.
CDR Triplett reported to VT-35, NAS Corpus Christi, Texas in July 2006. There he served as Aviation Safety Officer, Instructor Pilot, Functional Check Pilot and Safety/Natops Department Head. While in Texas, he was deployed to Camp Victory, Iraq as an Individual Augmentee, with the U. S. Army’s First Infantry Division “Big Red One” in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In 2009, CDR Triplett reported to Special Projects Squadron Two. There he served as Aircraft Division Officer and Assistant Operations Officer. He deployed on five detachments in support of two COCOMs. He completed JPME P I via correspondence from the Air Command and Staff College.
In 2011, after completing Maritime Staff Officer Course at the Naval War College, CDR Triplett reported to Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet where he served as Battle Watch Executive Officer.
In 2013, CDR Triplett returned to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron ONE (VQ-1), where he served as Officer in Charge of Commander Task Group 72.5 in Okinawa, Japan and Commander Task Group 47.3 in Curacao, Dutch Antilles. He also served as Safety/Natops, Administration, Instruction Pilot, Instructor Under Training Instructor Pilot, Functional Check Pilot and Maintenance Officer.
In 2016, CDR Triplett reported to Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii where he served as the Sensitive Reconnaissance Officer.
In 2018, CDR Triplett reported to the Combined Air Operations Center in Al Udeid, AB, Qatar as Senior EW Advisor to the Combined Forces Air Component Commander.
His personal awards include the Distinguish Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two), Navy Commendation Medal (four), Navy Achievement Medal and various unit and campaign decorations.
Retired CDR Triplett applied for a pilot position with Delta Airlines after his retirement ceremony on August 6, 2021 and was hired after his interview on August 26, 2021 to start his new position within 2 weeks.
CDR Triplett and his wife Yolanda expressed their gratitude to everyone for attending the ceremony. He stated, “Truly, this has been an amazing adventure and it has sincerely been a pleasure to serve our country in the United States Navy. To all those that we’ve served with from May 1989 through August 2021, Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are better because of your support, friendship, respect and love.”
CDR Triplett and his wife, Yolanda have two daughters, Cameron and Courtney. He is the son of Catherine Jackson Triplett.
