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Keith was born to Maulina and Ralph Durity 43 years ago on December
22, 1962.
He enlisted in the Navy in February 1984 and started active duty
in April of that same year, graduating from boot camp three months
later.
Then his adventures began.
“Upon completion of his training, he reported to his first
duty assignment on board the USS Milwaukee in Virginia as a seaman,”
it was revealed.
At the time, the USS Milwaukee was one of the finest oiliers in
the US Navy.
He then moved up the ranks to become a Boatswain’s Mate striker
and then rapidly advanced through the ranks to Petty Officer Second
Class.
In the process, he also received numerous awards in recognition
of his performance.
A report on his stewardship in an official programme from the retirement
function stated: “In the summer of 1988 after completing training
in Lakehurst, New Jersey, Keith took on a new challenge as a Military
Police Officer and was assigned to Headquarters Support Activity,
once again in Norfolk, Virginia.
“While at this new command, he continued to maintain his superior
military performance.”
Finally, he met his future wife, Teal Rene Briscoe, and married
her on May 19, 1990.
They have two children, a boy, Jordan Timothy, 14, and a girl, Jaden
Teal, 10.
The report continued: “In March 1991, Keith returned to sea
duty onboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, a.k.a. The IKE, as the
leading supervisor of the boat division.
“On the IKE, he advanced to Petty Officer First Class where
his talents, skills and professionalism gained him high military
marks.
“Then he reported to the USS John C. Stennis in October 1994,
again as a leading supervisor.”
Durity continued to move up and in the process was mentored and
moulded into what is called “Chief material”.
Sometime later, he received the good news that he was selected as
a candidate for Chief Petty Officer.
“In September 1997, Keith completed the process and was initiated
as a Chief in the US Navy,” the report continued.
In July 2000, he returned to sea duty and in July 2001, the Nicholson
on which he served as Deck Department Leading Chief was set out
on its last deployment to the Persian Gulf.
Almost three years later, Chief Durity was transferred to Florida
and assigned to Harbour Operations as Service Craft Division Chief.
“His greatest reward is knowing that he leaves behind young
men and women of the US Navy who he has mentored and influenced,
who will be sailors of a new generation and leaders in tomorrow’s
Navy,” the report added.
Keith’s brothers, who still live in Carenage, Dave, Delbert
and Kerry, have expressed joy over their sibling’s success
and for making his village proud.
“The whole of Carenage is happy about his success,”
they stated. |
