Major Douglas J. Verblaauw was born in Ridgewood, New Jersey and graduated from Mahwah High School in 2001. In 2005, he graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a commission as a Second Lieutenant. After graduating from The Basic School with Class 5-05, he entered the Infantry Officers Course with Class 2-06.
In April 2006, then Second Lieutenant Verblaauw reported to Company D, 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (2d LAR) , and deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) as a platoon commander and company executive officer respectively. Upon return from his second deployment, he served as the Battalion Assistant Operations Officer before receiving orders to 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (1st ANGLICO).
At 1st ANGLICO, he served as a Firepower Control Team (FCT) Leader attached to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU). While deployed with the 15th MEU from May to December 2010, he led his team in support of the seizure of the pirated vessel M/V Magellan Star. After returning from deployment, he served in the following billets at 1st ANGLICO: Brigade Platoon Commander, SALT Leader, and SALT Fire Support Coordinator.
From August 2011 to May 2012, Capt Verblaauw attended Expeditionary Warfare School before receiving assignment to 1st Battalion, 4th Marines (1/4), and assuming command of Company A. Deploying as the small boat company for Battalion Landing Team 1/4 in support of the 13th MEU, the Raiders participated in Theater Security Cooperation Exercises throughout the U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM), and U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) areas of responsibility.
In June 2014, Capt Verblaauw received orders to the Ground Officer Assignment Section, Manpower Management (MMOA-1) for service as the Company Grade Infantry Monitor. After completing a year as the Company Grade Infantry Monitor, Major Verblaauw assumed the duties of the Head Company Grade Monitor until May 2017. In June 2017, he assumed command Marine Corps Recruiting Station Oklahoma City.
Maj Verblaauw’s personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with combat distinguishing device), and the Combat Action Ribbon.