Newport, Rhode Island -- Dustin Boatright, son of Neil and Tracy Boatright of Bonham, was commissioned as a Naval officer on Friday, September 27, 2019 at Newport Naval Station in Newport, Rhode Island. 

Prior to his commissioning Dustin applied for and was accepted in the Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) program in the fall of 2017.  The NUPOC program prepares young men and women for becoming a Navy Line Officers-specifically Submarine and Surface Warfare Officers as well as Navy Aviators, Flight Officers, Special Warfare and Special Operations Officers. 

The program is a door leading to industry leadership and lifelong learning as well as groundbreaking research and high-level civilian collaborations.  In order to be accepted into the program a candidate must be within two and half years from graduating college and pursuing a BA, BS, or MS (preferably majoring in mathematics, engineering, physics, chemistry or other technical areas).  The candidate must complete one academic year of calculus, one academic year of calculus based physics, and maintain a competitive GPA. 

Upon his graduation from Texas Tech University, Dustin was assigned to Newport Naval Station in Newport, Rhode Island, for Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS).  While attending OCS Dustin received 12 weeks of intensive training and preparation to become a Navy Line Officer.  Classes focused on leadership, physical training, military training as well as academics, ranging from Navigation to Shipboard Engineering and Damage Control. 

Dustin was assigned a Chief Petty Officer and a commissioned Naval Officer to aid in his transformation from civilian to Candidate Officer.  He was also rigorously trained by Marine Corps Drill Instructors who challenged him on every physical level.  During his twelve weeks Dustin moved through Indoctrination Candidate to Officer Candidate to Candidate Officer.  During the last few weeks Dustin was assigned a group of candidates to lead.

After his commissioning Dustin was assigned to Nuclear Power School in Charleston, South Carolina.  There he will receive training for shipboard nuclear power plant operation and maintenance of surface ships and submarines in the U.S. Navy.  Once this training is completed Dustin will receive submarine training in Connecticut.  After completing all the necessary training Dustin will be assigned as an officer on a nuclear submarine. 

In 2014 Dustin was both an honor graduate of Bonham High School and achieved his Eagle Scout rank.  In May of 2019, he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.