Airman Keithlynn Johnson (Photo provided)


SAN DIEGO — Airman Keithlynn Johnson, a Mineral Wells native and 2018 Parkersburg South High School graduate, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 8, at Naval Air Station North Island, Calif.

She told a Navy Office of Community Outreach officer the skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Mineral Wells.


“One lesson that I learned from my hometown is that you have to work hard in order to accomplish the goals that you have set for yourself,” Johnson said. “It’s never a good thing to remain stagnant and idle. You’ll always have to continue to work on yourself in order to remain successful.”


Johnson joined the Navy 11 months ago. Today, Johnson serves as an aviation electronics technician.


“I joined the Navy to find a better opportunity for my life,” Johnson said. “I wanted to better myself and aviation was something that fascinated me when I spoke to my recruiter. I felt destined for bigger and better things.”


The “Eightballers” of HSC-8 fly and maintain the MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, the Navy’s versatile and most advanced rotary wing maritime platform. Their missions include airborne mine countermeasures, combat search and rescue, anti-surface warfare, combat logistics and medevac.


According to the report by the Navy Office of Community Outreach, Johnson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service. 


“So far during my short time in, I have to say that graduating my classes in both “A” school and “C” school has been a huge achievement,” Johnson said. “Being able to graduate both with my fellow sailors has instilled in me a sense of purpose and accomplishment that I have not felt before.”


This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.

“Being able to serve my country means everything to me,” Johnson said. “It has filled me with a great sense of duty and honor to be able to defend freedom and peace for my family who are safe back home.”


Johnson told the Navy Office of Community Outreach she is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.


”I would like to thank my family and friends back home for their support,” Johnson said. “I would especially like to thank my grandparents. Their support and constant motivation has helped me continue to work hard and never give up.”

Johnson plans for a future after the Navy.


“I enjoy this job and think that the benefits that I have earned would greatly help me in the civilian world,” Johnson said, according to the Navy report. “A career outside of the Navy is now attainable through the hard work and training that has been instilled in me.”