NEW LONDON, Conn. — Rachel A. Deschene has graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy with a bachelor of science degree and a commission as an ensign.

The Coast Guard Academy offers a four-year educational program of instruction designed to provide cadets the knowledge and experience essential to become leaders of character. Cadets are required to devote themselves to an honor concept and after graduation go directly into positions of leadership in service to others.

Deschene is the daughter of Ronald R. and Allison D. Deschene of Palm Harbor, Fla. She is the sister of Amber L. Deschene of Tarpon Springs, Fla. and granddaughter of Eward Taylor of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Paul Deschene of North Fort Myers, Fla.

Deschene is the niece of Denise P. Mitchell of Cape Elizabeth and granddaughter of Jackie A. Cloutier of Lewiston.

She is a 2010 graduate of Tarpon Springs High School, Tarpon Springs, Fla.

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SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The following area residents graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

The airmen completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Air Force Airman Tyler B. Houle is the son of Brian Houle of Waterville and Karen Gray of Lewiston, nephew of Tim Houle of Nashville, Tenn., and cousin of Matt Houle of Lewiston. He is a 2013 graduate of Lewiston High School.

Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Tanner S. Wentworth is the son of Jamie and Dawn Wentworth of Brownfield. He is a 2013 graduate of Fryeburg Academy.

Air Force Airman 1st Class Sarah N. Mueller is the daughter of Lisa and Alexis Casey of Madison and Kenneth H. Mueller of Phoenix, Ariz. She is also the granddaughter of Fernande Nadeau of Madison and Leda Mueller of Farmington. She is a 2006 graduate of Carrabec High School, North Anson. She earned a bachelor’s degree in 2012 from the University of Maine at Farmington.

Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Derek S. Hyde is the son of Donald Hyde of Bowdoin and Nancy Wilkins of Brunswick. He is a 2003 graduate of Mt. Ararat High School, Topsham.

Air Force Airman Richard J. Franco is the son of Rebecca M. Jenkins of Brunswick and brother of Janessa M. Rosa of Fullerton, Calif.

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NORFOLK, Va. — Navy Seaman Michaela M. LaPlante, daughter of Shari LaPlante of Greenville, Ill. and Guy C. LaPlante and granddaughter of Sally Reed of Lisbon, along with approximately 6,000 other Sailors and Marines stationed aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman returned to Naval Station Norfolk, Va., marking the end of the ship’s nine-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations.

While deployed, Truman conducted a full range of operations ranging from maritime security operations and multinational exercises, to providing air support for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

Truman also conducted integrated operations with the French Navy’s Charles de Gaulle Strike Group over a five-week period in the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea and Arabian Gulf.

Squadrons assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 flew 2,902 combat sorties, or flights, totaling more than 16,450 hours in support of OEF.

LaPlante is a 2009 graduate of Lisbon High School of Lisbon and joined the Navy in February 2013.

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