Hans DeFor, 1988 Austin High School graduate and son of Stephen DeFor and Donna DeFor, will become a captain in the Navy.

Cmdr. DeFor will relieve Cmdr. Joseph D. Femino of the USS Curtis Wilbur during a change of command ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 9, in Yokosuka, Japan. The ship is a missile destroyer with about 300 crew members. Stephen and Donna plan to attend the ceremony.

Hans — inspired by an uncle who spent more than 20 years in the Navy — joined the military right after high school and has now spent 25 years in the Navy.

“That was one of his dreams,” Stephen said about Hans’ aspirations of becoming a captain someday.

Hans originally entered as an enlisted personnel member and then went through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps.

“I was proud of him,” Stephen said. “I think that was a good step.”

For Hans, 25 years in the Navy has been a balance of hard work and having fun.

“Some days it’s a job,” he said. “Some days they can just keep my paycheck. I’m having too much fun.”

Hans has served stateside and around the world, including South America, the Persian Gulf, Japan, Germany, Afghanistan and is now back in Japan, where he lives with his wife, Rachel, and three children, Josiah, Annika and William.

“My wife has to deal with a lot of me being away,” said Hans, who is preparing for a year-and-a-half tour. “I’m blessed with a fine family that’s willing to put up with the things that they have to in order for me to follow my dream.”

Hans realizes he is assuming a big responsibility. Then again, it’s what he has wanted to do.

“He really loves our country, and he’s willing to do whatever sacrifice is necessary for that,” Stephen added.