Lt. Cmdr. Derik Rothchild

Elk Grove Native Earns Black Engineer of the Year Award

Norfolk, VA. – An Elk Grove, California native received a Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA) during the virtual BEYA science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) conference, February 12.

Lt. Cmdr. Derik Rothchild, the Moored Training Ship La Jolla (MTS 701) engineer officer, was recognized as a 2021 Modern-Day Technology Leader, an award given to those who demonstrate achievement, leadership and impact.

The award recognizes African American scientists and engineers around the country who are shaping the future of STEM, while promoting diversity and inclusion.”I was filled with pride to be recognized on such a prestigious stage,” said Rothchild. “It means my efforts in leading my team to the best of my abilities did not go unnoticed.”


With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

WSS News
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