KELVIN LEE

Story by ALVIN PLEXICO

NAVY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH

PROFILES

KELVIN LEE

Photo coutesy of the U.S. NAVY

NORFOLK, Va. – Master Chief Petty O cer Kelvin Lee, a native of Alma, Georgia, serves as the command master chief for Airborne Command and Control Squadron 120 supporting the E-2D carrier airborne early warning aircraft, known as the Hawkeye.

Lee joined the Navy 25 years ago.

“I was looking for other opportunities,” said Lee. "I wanted to explore options that were available in the military."

Growing up in Alma, Lee attended Bacon County High School and graduated in 1997.

“I want to o er a shoutout to my mom, Linda, and her husband, Jimmy,” said Lee. “I'd like to say hello to my aunt, Rosemary, and also my uncle, Booker, and his wife, Laura.”

Today, Lee relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Alma to succeed in the military.

“Hard work pays off,” said Lee. "When you work hard, people notice. Always be willing to work for what you want, and you'll appreciate it more. My grandfather taught me that and I never forgot it."

These lessons have helped Lee while serving with the Navy.

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye recently celebrated the 15th anniversary of its fi rst fl ight, which occurred August 3, 2007. Known as the Navy’s “digital quarterback,” the Hawkeye gives the warfighter expanded battlespace awareness. The Hawkeye’s command and control capability makes it a multi-mission platform through its

ALMA NATIVE SERVES AS SENIOR ENLISTED LEADER WITH U.S. NAVY HAWKEYE AIRCRAFT MASTER CHIEF PETTY OFFICER Kelvin Lee

ability to coordinate concurrent missions such as airborne strike, land force support, rescue operations and support for drug interdiction operations. The Hawkeye is one of the aircraft launched from an aircraft carrier.

Navy aircraft carriers are designed for a 50-year service life. When the air wing is embarked, the ship carries more than 70 attack fi ghter jets, helicopters and other aircraft, all of which take off from and land aboard the carrier at sea. With more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard, the aircraft carrier is a self-contained mobile airport. Serving in the Navy means Lee is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy. “We need a strong Navy to protect our families back at home supporting us while we serve them,” said Lee. With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet tra c carried through fi ber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy o cials continue to emphasize the importance of accelerating America’s advantage at sea.

Lee and the sailors he serves with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“My proudest accomplishment is making master chief,” said Lee. "Going from E-1 to E-9 is a pretty good feat.”

As Lee and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Serving in the Navy means we can give back to those who paved a way for us today,” added Lee. "Serving is more than just another way of life. It takes a strong person who is willing to make the sacrifi ces to complete the mission." OL