I just learned of Derrick's passing by Googling his name. I was occasionally googling his name to try and find him. Derrick and I were really good friends when we served in the US Navy on the USS Tarawa during the mid 80s. He was such a dear friend and shipmate. We worked together daily in the ship's communication department. Derrick and I would hangout together when we went in port to many countries in the South Pacific during our WestPac deployment in 1984-85 and in 1986. I wish I had been able to make contact with him before he passed away because he was a good and true friend. RIP Petty Officer Hooks.