MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 1st Class Tyler Keene, a native of Daytona Beach, Florida, serves with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 40, based out of Mayport, Florida. The squadron’s primary mission is to conduct sea control operations in open-ocean and coastal environments. This includes hunting for submarines, searching for surface targets over the horizon and conducting search and rescue operations.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green |
Keene, a 2014 graduate of Atlantic High School, joined the Navy over 10 years ago. Additionally, Keene graduated from Embry Aeronautical University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics.
“I joined the Navy to defend my home, my family and my country,” said Keene. “Serving means preserving life and creating an impact on something bigger than myself.”
Today, Keene relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Daytona Beach to succeed in the military.
“Growing up I learned how to keep my head down, work hard and be quiet while doing it,” said Keene. “I was also taught to be kind and always be professional. Finally, I learned to take advice from anyone who offers it, but never be overly dogmatic with any of it.”
These lessons have helped Keene while serving in the Navy.
HSM 40 flies the U.S. Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. The MH-60R is a twin-engine helicopter used for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, drug interdiction, anti-ship warfare, cargo lift, and special operations, according to Navy officials.
This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola; one year later six of them, known as "The First Six," earned their “Wings of Gold.” Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally and today our women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft. Our Nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."
Serving in the Navy means Keene is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy contributes to national defense through control of our seas, either through a forward presence of surface warships or expeditious employment of tactical weaponry from warships, aircraft, or naval special warfare,” said Keene.
Keene and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of completing the MH-60R Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course in 2020 in Fallon, Nevada,” said Keene. “At HSM-40, we perform a massively important role in training the next generation of aviators for the mighty MH-60R, which in the conflicts to come, will prove to be a vital component of air warfare.”
As Keene and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy is committing to a cause that is bigger than myself,” said Keene. “As I grow in my career, I have learned that serving in the Navy is now more about serving the sailors and providing more for them.”
Keene is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife, Rachel, who was the one who pushed me to change my life and pursue something that could provide for us,” said Keene.