Michael P. Terp passed away at age 56 on January 25, 2021 after a long illness at at Backus hospital in Norwich CT.

Mike was born August 18, 1964 in Port Jefferson, NY. He attended Sacred Heart School in Cutchogue NY and then Mercy High School in Riverhead NY. Upon his graduation in 1982, Mike embarked upon what would become a 27 year career in the United States Navy, enlisting to become a Missile Technician (MT). While attending his C-school in Dam Neck VA, he made the decision that guided the rest of his career and switched ratings to become a Hospital Corpsman (HN). After graduating from the Hospital Corps School at Great Lakes IL he was assigned to the USS Newport (LST 1179, the first of the Newport-class Tank Landing Ships which were larger and faster than earlier LSTs) where he worked in the medical department and completed a Mediterranean deployment and several other cruises.

Following this he was early selected to attend the Naval Underwater Medical Institute in Groton CT. Upon his graduation with honors and after attending Naval Submarine School he became, at age 24, the youngest Independent Duty Corpsman (IDC) at the time to be granted Independent Duty status and reported to the USS Norfolk SSN-714, a fast attack nuclear submarine (the 27th Los Angeles-class attack submarine and the third US Navy ship to be named for Norfolk, VA). There, he was the sole medical provider to a crew of 129 sailors. After a successful tour aboard the Norfolk, Mike attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer.

He was then selected to attend the prestigious and rigorous Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP) aboard Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio TX, completing a bachelor’s degree from George Washington University and a master’s degree from the University of Kansas. Upon his graduation he was commissioned as an Ensign and began serving in various assignments. While attached to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) out of Camp Lejeune NC he deployed to Afghanistan. He served in combat with the second Marine expeditionary force in the effort to secure Kandahar airport as a base of operations for the effort in the war on terror. After returning from this combat tour, Mike continued to serve in various positions concluding with his assignment as a PA at the Naval Branch Health Clinic, Submarine Base New London in Groton CT.

Mike retired as a Lieutenant in the Naval Medical Service Corps in 2009 after 27 years of loyal, faithful service that touched the lives of many. After retirement from the Navy, Mike worked as a Physician Assistant in various capacities at several hospitals and private practices. In 2006, Mike married the love of his life and together they shared their love of family, animals, and their church. Michael P. Terp passed away at age 56 on January 25, 2021.

Source:
https://www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com/obituary/Michael-Terp