Sparks, Derek

Former Petty Officer First Class, U.S. Navy (1987-2002)

Derek Sparks enlisted in the United States Navy on October 26, 1987. During his continuous fourteen-and-a-half-year military career, Sparks served on several deployments in several capacities, repeatedly demonstrating his professionalism and skill.

Sparks's first command was the U.S.S. SACRAMENTO. In his four years on the SACRAMENTO, Sparks made two deployments, one of them in support of Operation Desert Storm. In recognition of his service, the Navy awarded Sparks a Sailor of the Quarter award. After serving on the Sacramento, Sparks worked for a year and a half in the Navy Absentee Collection Unit, and then transferred to the U.S.S. COWPENS, and then the U.S.S. HURRICANE, where in addition to serving as the ship's only Signalman, Sparks became qualified as Combat Information Center Watch Officer and served as the Assistant Supply Officer and Information Systems Security Manager. Sparks then worked as a corrections officer at the Naval Consolidated Brig Miramar, and from there transferred to the U.S.S. BRIDGE after completing Command Career Counselor School.

During his long career, Sparks received four Sea Service Ribbons; the COMCARGRU with one letter of commendation; the National Defense Service Medal; the SW Asia Service Medal; a Navy Unit Commendation; the Navy Expert Pistol Medal; the Navy Battle "E" Ribbon; the Kuwait Liberation Medal; three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals; four Navy Good Conduct Awards; a Meritorious Unit Commendation Citation; and the Navy Expert Rifle Medal.

Sparks's final deployment was on the U.S.S. BRIDGE, near Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Sparks served as the BRIDGE's Command Career Counselor. By that time, Sparks had attained the rank of Petty Officer First Class (E-6).

One evening during that deployment, Sparks was watching an action movie on the television in his office. Two other service members, both male, were in the office with him. Unknown to Sparks, his Master Chief observed the three men through a hole in the wall. The Master Chief later alleged he saw Sparks and the other two sailors engaging in homosexual activity. An investigation began based on those allegations.

Throughout the investigation into these allegations, all three sailors involved denied committing homosexual acts.

Following repeated questioning by investigators, Sparks decided not to fight the Navy any longer. Sparks denied his Master Chief's allegation of engaging in homosexual conduct aboard ship, but admitted to his command that he is gay.

Because of that admission, the Navy discharged Sparks on April 9, 2002. Even though Sparks's command recommended he receive an honorable discharge, Sparks was given a general discharge.