OAK HARBOR, Wash. - Lt. j.g. Joshua Keck, a native of Panama City, Florida, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 9 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Keck graduated from Mosley High School in 2005. Additionally, Keck earned a bachelor’s in Biblical studies and theology from Regent University in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Panama City.
“Although I didn’t join right out of high school, I eventually did join because I knew that God was calling me to the military,” said Keck. “All the lessons I learned along the way about doing the right thing at the right time culminated in a lifestyle of military service.”
Keck joined the Navy 12 years ago. Today, Keck serves as a maintenance and materials control officer.
“I come from a long line of military service,” said Keck. “My grandfathers on both sides served in the military, one in the Air Force and one in the Navy. Then my dad, brother, and father-in-law all served in the Air Force. Now, my brother-in-law and I are both in the Navy. I joined to make a difference.”
Members of VP-9 fly and maintain the U.S. Navy’s P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft. Designed to secure the U.S. Navy’s future in long-range maritime patrol capability, the P-8A has transformed how the Navy’s maritime patrol and reconnaissance force will train, operate and deploy, according to Navy officials. P-8A aircraft deploy around the globe to monitor the world’s oceans wherever they are needed.
With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Keck has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of the fact that I started as an undesignated sailor and I am now a commissioned officer,” said Keck. “God’s guiding hand has culminated in this for me. It’s been a lot of hard work. Most people think those programs, the enlisted-to-officer programs, are for someone else. It’s not for me, they say. I just put myself out there. Somebody’s got to get it, why not me?”
Keck serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the military gives me an opportunity to help others in a real and tangible sort of way,” said Keck. “I can help the people in front of me as an officer, but I also have an impact worldwide through the military.”
Keck is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Ashley, for her support,” added Keck. “She picks up the slack when I’m deployed. We have three boys. I also want to thank God. I wouldn’t be here today without him, for sure. There are too many others to list and so many people who mentored me along the way. It’s important to remember the people who help you out.”