Chief Boatswain’s Mate (SW/SCW/EXWIAW) Eric Keith, a Manning native, retired from the U.S. Navy last month after 26 years of dedicated service. The retirement ceremony, held at Amphibious Construction Battalion ONE in San Diego, marked the culmination of a distinguished career that spanned multiple deployments and roles across the globe.
The ceremony began with the arrival of the official party, followed by the parade of colors, the National Anthem, and an invocation. Opening remarks highlighted Chief Keith’s exemplary service record, which included his initial enlistment in November 1997 through the delayed entry program and subsequent reporting to Recruit Command Great Lakes in August 1998.
Chief Keith’s career took him aboard the USS Duluth (LPD-6) in December 1998, where he qualified as an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist. His critical role as Well Deck POIC, Ramp Marshall, and Boat Davit Captain contributed to successful inspections and two deployments to the Fifth Fleet.
In June 2003, Keith transitioned to Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One, where he advanced to Second Class Petty Officer. He was instrumental in training over 3,000 sailors in cargo handling and crane operations, and deployed to various locations, including Kuwait, Antarctica, and Guam.
His career continued aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) in 2006, where he was promoted to First Class Petty Officer and led a division through a rigorous yard period. After completing recruiting school in 2008, Keith was recognized as one of the top recruiters in his district, maintaining top 10 status throughout his three-year tenure.
In 2013, Keith was selected for Chief Petty Officer and served as the Leading Chief Petty Officer at the Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit in Great Lakes, IL. His leadership earned him the Master Training Specialist qualification, and he later returned to Navy Cargo Handling Battalion Ten, where he oversaw a successful Ultra inspection and led numerous operations.
Keith’s final assignment was with Amphibious Construction Battalion ONE from July 2019 to July 2024, where his leadership and expertise were invaluable to the unit’s mission of providing ship-to-shore material transport in support of amphibious, expeditionary, and humanitarian operations.
During the ceremony, awards and certificates were presented to Chief Keith, and his family was recognized for their support throughout his career. In his remarks, Keith expressed gratitude for the opportunities and challenges he faced during his service, crediting his success to the mentorship and camaraderie of his fellow sailors.
The ceremony concluded with the Chief Petty Officer Retirement Creed, the traditional “Old Glory” presentation, and the symbolic watch turnover, marking the end of Chief Keith’s naval career. The event closed with a benediction and the departure of the newly retired Chief Keith and his family.
Chief Boatswain’s Mate Eric Keith’s retirement from the U.S. Navy marks the end of a remarkable career, leaving a legacy of dedication, leadership, and service to the nation.
