Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson G. Brown
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN – Airman Keryon Rogers, a Boiling Springs, South Carolina, native, joined the Navy to follow in his cousin’s, Ivan Wilkins retired chief petty officer, footsteps.
Now, seven years later and half a world away at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Rogers serves at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) / U.S. 5th fleet.
Rogers, a graduate of Boiling Springs High School, is an aviation boatswain's mate at U.S. 5th Fleet, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain.
“I am responsible for the refueling and defueling of transient flights for air operations,” said Rogers. “I also coordinate all incoming and outgoing flights.”
Rogers credits success at U.S. 5th Fleet, and in the Navy, to many of the lessons learned in Boiling Springs.
“My grandma taught me to put forth my best effort in anything I do,” said Rogers. “Also, my hometown taught me that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.”
U.S. 5th Fleet directs naval operations to ensure maritime security and stability in the Central Region, which connects the Mediterranean Sea and Pacific Ocean through the western Indian Ocean. They work with partner nations to ensure freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in international waterways.
“My job is important because without the fuel and flight planning of aircraft we would not be able to complete the mission,” said Rogers.
The Navy’s U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of ocean, and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprised of 20 countries, includes three critical choke points; the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.
“Before I moved out here, I was worried about how the locals would view Americans,” said Rogers. “I have found that they are actually very friendly and helpful.”
Serving in the Navy means Rogers is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
A key element of the Navy is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Rogers is most proud of earning his associate’s degree from Spartanburg Methodist College in 2018.
“The Navy is giving me the opportunity to achieve my educational goals,” said Rogers. “I am currently working on my bachelor’s degree in accounting.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Rogers and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy is an opportunity to give back to the world and help serve and protect my country,” said Rogers.
Rogers, a graduate of Boiling Springs High School, is an aviation boatswain's mate at U.S. 5th Fleet, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain.
“I am responsible for the refueling and defueling of transient flights for air operations,” said Rogers. “I also coordinate all incoming and outgoing flights.”
Rogers credits success at U.S. 5th Fleet, and in the Navy, to many of the lessons learned in Boiling Springs.
“My grandma taught me to put forth my best effort in anything I do,” said Rogers. “Also, my hometown taught me that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.”
U.S. 5th Fleet directs naval operations to ensure maritime security and stability in the Central Region, which connects the Mediterranean Sea and Pacific Ocean through the western Indian Ocean. They work with partner nations to ensure freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in international waterways.
“My job is important because without the fuel and flight planning of aircraft we would not be able to complete the mission,” said Rogers.
The Navy’s U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of ocean, and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprised of 20 countries, includes three critical choke points; the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.
“Before I moved out here, I was worried about how the locals would view Americans,” said Rogers. “I have found that they are actually very friendly and helpful.”
Serving in the Navy means Rogers is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
A key element of the Navy is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Rogers is most proud of earning his associate’s degree from Spartanburg Methodist College in 2018.
“The Navy is giving me the opportunity to achieve my educational goals,” said Rogers. “I am currently working on my bachelor’s degree in accounting.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Rogers and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy is an opportunity to give back to the world and help serve and protect my country,” said Rogers.