When you grow up in Lubbock, you might not see a coastline for hundreds of miles, but that doesn’t stop some West Texans from choosing a life on the water. One of them is Navy Midshipman 2nd Class David Winger, a proud Lubbock native who’s quickly turning his South Plains grit into a future as a U.S. Navy officer.
Winger, a 2023 graduate of Frenship High School, is now in his second year at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. And while that sounds like a world away from Lubbock, he says the values that shaped him back home are the same ones pushing him forward today.
“As a child, I learned that approaching every opportunity with confidence leads to a greater outcome,” Winger said.
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This summer, Winger completed Career Orientation and Training for Midshipmen (CORTRAMID) aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer in San Diego. CORTRAMID is a four-week crash course in Navy and Marine Corps life–surface ships, submarines, aviation, and even a week embedded with Marines.
For Winger, working side by side with enlisted sailors aboard the Boxer left a big impression.
“I have greatly enjoyed the chance to grow and learn from the enlisted personnel aboard USS Boxer,” he said.
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And the Boxer isn’t just any ship. Resembling a mini aircraft carrier, it carries more than 1,200 crew members and as many as 1,800 Marines, serving as a launchpad for missions around the world–everything from humanitarian aid to full-scale amphibious assaults.
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The Naval Academy produces officers of character and competence, and its midshipmen serve on active duty while earning their degree. After graduating, Winger will commission as an Ensign and serve at least five years in the Navy.
This year also marks the 250th birthday of the U.S. Navy–a reminder of how closely America’s security (and even our internet cables!) rely on the sailors who protect the seas.
“There is no greater accomplishment than experiencing the pride of serving others in a leadership role,” Winger said.
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And like many Lubbock success stories, he points to strong family support: “I want to thank my mother, Kim Winger, for helping me with my application and journey as a midshipman.”
From the Hub City to the high seas, this is one West Texan who’s proving that even without an ocean in sight, you can still make waves!
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