KINGS BAY, Ga. – Keevin Johnson, a native of Muleshoe, Texas, was promoted to master chief petty officer May 22 during a ceremony held at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay.
Johnson currently serves at Commander, Submarine Group (CSG) 10, and will report aboard the nuclear ballistic missile submarine, USS Tennessee, in July, where he will serve as the senior enlisted leader, known as the chief of the boat.
As a submariner, Johnson is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Johnson graduated from Muleshoe High School in 2006.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Muleshoe. “Hard work pays off,” Johnson said. “Being there for the people you work with will result in success for the team, not just for you as an individual. I worked as a mechanic for Earl Ladd and Sons tractor dealership, and I was a CO2 operator at Reliant. I had some good mentors there who taught me the importance of working as a team. I appreciate all that Tom Ladd and many other selfless leaders that taught me when I worked with them back home.”
Johnson joined the Navy 17 years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I was looking for stability,” Johnson said. “I felt like I was heading down a path that would not end in success, and I knew that the military would help give me the guidance I needed.”
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is the homeport of East Coast ballistic-missile and guided- missile submarines. These submarines are capable of conducting operations in the Atlantic, Arctic, Eastern Pacific, and Indian Oceans and the Mediterranean Sea. It is also the only Navy base with the capability to support the Trident II missile, the most sophisticated nuclear missile designed to be launched from a submarine.
Known as America’s “Apex Predators!,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technologically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security. There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines (SSN), ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN) and guided-missile submarines (SSGN).
Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. The Virginia-class SSN is the most advanced submarine in the world today. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet Combatant Commanders’ demands in this era of strategic competition.
The Navy’s ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarinelaunched ballistic missiles. SSBNs are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. The Columbia-class SSBN will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the U.S. - replacing the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous seabased strategic deterrence into the 2080s.
Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each SSGN is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Johnson serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.
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.
Johnson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of qualifying as chief of the boat,” Johnson said. “Becoming part of the triad, leading sailors to their successes, is an honor.”
Johnson 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 shows that being part of a team is greater than succeeding as an individual,” Johnson said.
Johnson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Eddie Johnson, Mitzi Branscum and Scott Branscum, for showing me what right looks like,” Johnson added. “I’d also like to send a shoutout to my brothers for showing me that regardless of how far apart you may be, you can still be close to those you care about.”
“Of course, I want to thank my wife, Hannah, for always being there to support me through all of my endeavors, for maintaining a stable household and raising our sons, Emmett and Waylon, to be the great kids they are.”