VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Keyon Evans, a native of Darby, Pennsylvania, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 4, part of the Navy’s expeditionary force.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marieliza Rosales Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
Evans graduated from Upper Darby High School in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Darby.
“I always had a great sense of community,” Evans said. "Everyone always helped each other out. It taught me teamwork and the importance of treating everyone as family."
Evans joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Evans serves as an electronics technician.
“I joined because of my grandfather,” Evans said. "None of his children joined, so I wanted to continue the tradition and legacy. I also wanted to use the Navy to help me finish school and set me up for a better life."
Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 4 falls under the command of Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 2, headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia. They deliver the Navy’s front line of defense in coastal waters and ports around the globe. Its sailors are trained to patrol harbors, escort high-value ships, and guard maritime chokepoints where danger is most likely to appear. Whether operating from fast patrol craft or shoreside security positions, they ensure freedom of movement for U.S. and allied forces in contested environments.
MESG-2’s mission is built on vigilance and quiet strength. Their presence may not always make headlines, but their work underpins the safety of every operation that begins or ends at sea. In the littorals — where a small gap in security can have outsized consequences — MESG-2 stands as a constant, capable force, committed to keeping the Navy’s lifelines secure.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Evans has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of graduating from ‘A’ school,” Evans said. "I graduated at the top of my class while also being a leader. It was a lot, but I'm proud I was able to juggle all of it."
Evans serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means a great deal in terms of identity; it gives me a sense of pride in myself,” Evans said. "It feels like I'm putting all the best into everything I do, and that puts a smile on my face."
Evans is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd love to thank my mom, Rhonda Satchell, who I'm definitely doing this for,” Evans said. "Her support means everything to me. Without it, I probably wouldn't be where I am. She always tries her best to understand."
“I was able to put on the rank of third-class petty officer more quickly because of my hard work,” Evans said. " It truly showed me the results of working hard. I'm proud to be able to carry my family's name on my uniform. I'm proud to be here."