Military brief: Jones retires Derek L. Jones Lt. Commander Derek L. Jones, a native of Houston and son of Lorenzo and Willie Jean Jones of Columbus, has retired after a 33-year career in the United States Navy. Jones’ enlisted sea and shore tours include the USS Wisconsin, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and USS Kearsarge. Shore assignments include Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit and Division Officer Naval Brigade. In 2014, he was promoted to Lt. Commander and earned an associate degree in applied science and a bachelor’s degree of professional studies in business and management. In his commissioned shore tours and sea tours, he served in numerous positions.