By Ashley Craig, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Gunnery Sgt. Jason Keskemety serves the U.S. Marine Corps assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 Reinforced, currently embarked aboard USS Wasp with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).
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| Gunnery Sgt. Jason Keskemety (at right) poses on the flight deck of USS Wasp with others. |
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Marine Corps are similar to those found in Isanti.
“One of the lessons I learned from growing up in a small town is that nothing is given to you,” said Keskemety. “You have to get up and have the drive to excel and be successful to accomplish everything you want.”
Keskemety joined the Marine Corps 15 years ago. Today, Keskemety serves as an airframes collateral duty quality assurance representative for the AV-8B Harrier and is also the senior enlisted advisor for the detachment.
“I joined the Marine Corps to serve my country and travel the world in the name of it,” said Keskemety.
Currently serving aboard Wasp, VMM 365 REIN is an Aviation Combat Element (ACE), which is a composite squadron that provides the MEU medium to heavy lift capability, assault support and close air support, according to Marine Corps officials. Although the aviation element carries the name of the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron assigned to the MEU, its assets include MV-22B Ospreys, CH-53E Super Stallion heavy lift helicopters, AH-1Z Super Cobra helicopter gunships, UH-1Y Huey utility helicopters and AV-8B Harrier jump jets. With a force strength of approximately 500, the ACE includes air traffic control, aircraft maintenance/support and aviation logistics/supply capabilities.
A U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship, Wasp’s primary mission is to support U.S. Marines in combat, and to also provide disaster relief and medical support to those in need.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy and Marine Corps 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.
Keskemety serves a Marine Corps that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“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.”
Keskemety has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am the most proud of setting myself above my peers and being the subject matter expert on an aircraft that requires a lot of skill and knowledge,” said Keskemety.
Keskemety can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Marine Corps to me means being a part of something bigger than me,” said Keskemety. “It means helping lead and continue on the traditions that have made the title ‘United States Marine’ a significant statement throughout the world an ongoing legacy.”
Keskemety is grateful to others for helping make a career in the Marine Corps possible.
“I would like to thank my parents for letting me join when I was 17, even though they were very hesitant,” added Keskemety. “I would also like to thank my wife for standing by me through my deployments and all of the times I have been away from home for extended periods. Lastly, I would like to thank my parents-in-law for helping my wife through the hard times.”