Rear Admiral Donald V. Boecker enlisted in the Naval Reserve after graduating from high school in 1955. He grew up in Naperville, Illinois, where he was active in all sports, earned his Eagle Scout badge, and learned to fly as an Air Scout. After boot camp training, he attended Columbian Prep School in Washington, DC.

Through the Reserve, he earned an appointment to the US Naval Academy in 1956. He played both varsity golf and football at the Academy and graduated in 1960. After being commissioned, he served as company officer for the new plebe class during summer training.

He began flight training at Pensacola Naval Air Station (NAS), Florida, and was designated a naval aviator in February 1962. He was assigned to Attack Squadron 76, flying A-4C aircraft at NAS Oceana, Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he deployed aboard USS ENTERPRISE for her first two Mediterranean deployments and also participated in the Cuban Blockade. He then transferred to Attack Squadron 75 in September 1963 and served as Personnel Officer in the first A-6 Squadron. He deployed to Southeast Asia and on 14 July 1965, while on a combat mission, was forced to eject over enemy territory where he successfully evaded the enemy and was rescued 18 hours later. A second cruise aboard USS INDEPENDENCE took him to the Mediterranean for the initial A-6A deployment with the sixth fleet.

In September 1966, Rear Admiral Boecker reported to NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, where he attended the United States Naval Test Pilot School, graduating in 1967. He was assigned to the Attack Branch of the Weapons Systems Test Division, where he served as team leader for a joint Navy/Air Force preliminary evaluation of the A-7D/E aircraft, completed the Joint Service Evaluation, and later became project officer in charge of the Board of Inspection and Survey Trials for the A-7E.

In October 1969, he reported to Attack Squadron 42 where he served as an A-6 instructor pilot and as Training Officer. In November 1970, he reported to Attack Squadron 75 and served as Maintenance Officer during a Mediterranean CV deployment aboard USS SARATOGA. In April 1972, he was assigned as Plans and Programs Officer on Commander, Medium Attack Wing One Staff at NAS Oceana. In May 1973, Rear Admiral Boecker reported as Executive Officer of Attack Squadron 85. On 1 July 1974 he assumed command of Attack Squadron 85 aboard USS FORRESTAL anchored off Palma, Spain, and remained in command during another Mediterranean deployment until November 1975.

Rear Admiral Boecker then served for 3 years in Washington, DC at the Naval Air Systems Command as A-6 Class Deck Officer where he was in charge of all technical improvements to the A-6E airplane -- most importantly, the Target Recognition Attack Multisensor (TRAM). In May 1978 he reported as Executive Officer of the USS SARATOGA in Mayport, Florida where he served until November 1979 and made another deployment to the Mediterranean.

In December 1979, he reported to the Officer of the Under Secretary of Defense (Research and Engineering) where he was Staff Specialist in the Tactical Air Warfare Branch. He was responsible for keeping the Under Secretary of Defense informed on Navy and Air Force fighter aircraft, particularly the F-14, F-15, F-16 and F/A-18. In August 1981, he attended the Senior Officer Ship Material Course in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

In February 1982, he took command of USS CONCORD (AFS-5), a combat stores ship home ported in Norfolk, Virginia and made two Mediterranean Deployments during his 18-month tour. In August 1983, he reported to OPNAV staff and was assigned as Head Aviation Plans and Programs (OP-508). In April 1984, he became the Deputy Director, Aviation Plans and Requirements Division (OP-50B).

In August 1985, he joined the Material Professional Program, and in April 1986, he was selected as the Executive Assistant and Naval Aide to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research Engineering and Systems). In July 1987 he assumed the duties of Director, Navy Space Systems Division (OP-943) in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Rear Admiral Boecker was Commander, Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River, Maryland from July 1988 to June 1991. He has flown over 90 different models of aircraft and has over 800 carrier-arrested landings. He became the Vice Commander, Naval Air Systems Command in Arlington, VA on 1 August 1991 and served until his retirement on 1 March 1995.

Rear Admiral Boecker has been awarded three Legions of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, six Air Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals with Combat V, the Combat Action Ribbon, a Navy Unit Commendation, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Navy Expeditionary Medal, and several Vietnam decorations.

Rear Admiral Boecker is married to the former Gay Lanier Scott of Winter Haven, Florida. Together they have six children: Michele Heckman, Stephanie Prettyman, Virginia Bugg, Danielle Primack, Dione Boecker, Scott Robbins and ten grandchildren.