MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Ensign Austin Hinrichsen, a native of Keller, Texas, recently graduated from the U.S. Navy's Officer Development School (ODS) on Mar. 29.
Hinrichsen, a 2020 Fort Worth Christian School graduate and 2023 Baylor University graduate, joined the Navy three months ago.
"I joined the Navy because I always felt a calling to serve my country at some point in my lifetime," said Hinrichsen. "While in high school, I considered possibly applying to the Naval Academy, however, I chose to go to Baylor University. Going into my sophomore year, I learned about the Direct Accession Program where I could practice as a registered nurse in the U.S. Navy and take care of the sailors who sacrifice themselves each day for our freedoms."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Keller.
"I learned from my parents and several coaches over the years a simple rule- to be a leader and not a follower," said Hinrichsen. "As a member of my community, I have the opportunity to make a positive impact on every person I'm around. I also learned to stand firm to my beliefs and to not succumb to peer pressure, even if it is an outlier thought because, that one outside belief, could potentially impact others positively in the future. I believe as a leader staying firm to what my moral compass tells me will allow me to advocate for my fellow sailors and be an ever-evolving leader."
ODS is one of four officer accession programs operating at Officer Training Command Newport, Rhode Island. This is the final step in a sailor’s transition into the Naval Officer Corps. This course is comprehensive, intense and designed to reinforce understanding of the responsibilities of a naval officer.
"Graduating ODS is the culmination of my hard work and the beginning of my career in the Navy," said Hinrichsen. "From being put in uncomfortable situations and learning how to overcome them for the past 5 weeks, to learning all about Navy tradition, customs, and plenty of methods on how to be a more effective leader, I feel very accomplished completing ODS, and will look back at this whole experience highly."
Hinrichsen has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"Completing ODS is my proudest acomplishment in the Navy as of now because it is the beginning of what hopefully will be an exciting and adventurous career full of incredible opportunities and a great community of sailors to work alongside with," said Hinrichsen.
Hinrichsen serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
"Serving in the Navy means being part of an organization full of incredible people, traditions and customs," said Hinrichsen. "It also means working as a team and having the opportunity to make a known influence and leave an impact that makes the world a better place to live in."
Hinrichsen is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
"I would not be half the individual I am without the guidance and support provided by my loving parents, Kathy and Nick Hinrichsen, who have sacrificed everything to raise and support me and my six other siblings," added Hinrichsen. "I am eternally grateful and love you guys so much."