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Commanding Officer
Lcdr. Steve Koopman
Lcdr. Koopman is a long time member of our unit. As a sea cadet he attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer within Worcester Division, and was a cadet for 9 years. He then went onto serve in the United States Navy, where he served as a Storekeeper on the U.S.S Jimmy Carter SSN 23 from Feb 2007 to Jan 2008. Steve Attained the rank/Rate of a Store Keeper 3rd class (Submarine Warfare) before his discharge and medical separation from the Navy. During that time, he made several under ways preparing for the "boats" first deployment in 2007.
Lcdr. Koopman's awards include from left to right: The Navy Unit Commendation, Battle "E", Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Ribbon, Rifle Sharpshooter Ribbon, and Pistol Sharpshooter Ribbon. Lcdr. Koopman has now been within the sea cadets as an adult volunteer for over 15 years, is the units commanding officer, and serves the community as a Police officer for the Town of Auburn.
Executive Officer
Operations Officer
Ltjg. Michael DeFazio
Inst. DeFazio has been with the Worcester CL-144 Division since he was a cadet. He graduated the program as a 2nd Class Petty Officer, where he then Joined the United States Navy. DeFazio served as an Information Systems Technician from 2016 until he was Medically Retired from the Navy in February of 2023 as an Information Systems Technician (Information Warfare) 2nd class. DeFazio has served tours of duty overseas to include within the Middle East, and throughout much of Africa. DeFazio has also been to many countries within the service to include Cuba, Ireland, England, Germany, Kuwait, Dubai, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and many other countries within Africa. DeFazio has many awards and Accomplishments whether within the Navy Sea Cadet Corps, The Navy, and also within Civilian Life. He currently works full time as the Executive Director of a nonprofit serving Veterans and First Responders.
DeFazio's Awards include from Left to right
(2) Navy Achievement Medals, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, (2) Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terror service medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Overseas Deployment Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" Device (Mobilization), Rifle Medal with "E" device (expert), Pistol Medal "E" device (Expert)