LUSBY, Md. – A Lusby native is stationed aboard the USS Nimitz helping with a vital mission that doesn’t get much recognition.
Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Owens Keys serves on the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. The Nimitz is the flagship carrier of Nimitz Carrier Strike Group.
The ship is currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. The 5th Fleet operates in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf, and parts of the Indian Ocean. It’s primary mission is to ensure stability and security of this vital trade area and keep the flow of commerce moving.
In the photo, Keys is shown scheduling maintenance aboard the aircraft carrier. While growing up in Lusby, Keys ran indoor and outdoor track at Patuxent high school.
He enlisted in the Navy right after high school at the Navy Recruiting Station in Lexington Park. In August of 2008, the teenager left for Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois.
No matter where he goes in the world, his heart is still close to home when it comes to food. “I love Maryland blue crab and Old Bay.” On gamedays, he said he roots for the Baltimore Ravens.