Senior Chief Petty Officer Keith J. Barrett

Senior Enlisted Leader, Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Atlantic

21 March 2023 OSCS(SW/EXW) Keith J. Barrett was born September 17, 1981 in Nanuet, NY, but grew up in Vero Beach, FL.  He enlisted in the Navy in June 2001, excelling at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes and Operations Specialist “A” School, earning orders to the USS JUNEAU (LPD-10) in Sasebo, Japan.

During his first deployment in 2003, they supported the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in Iraq. Following his tour, he was promoted to Third Class Petty Officer and assigned to the USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC-19), serving on the staff of VADM Jonathan Greenert, the 7th Fleet Admiral.  His duties included staff briefer, providing fleet-level information, and serving as Assistant Joint Interface Control Officer in the Fires Cell, managing Ballistic Missile Defense and the Common Operational Picture.  He earned a promotion to Second Class Petty Officer in 2008.

In 2010, he completed a rigorous training sequence, including Expeditionary Combat School, Advanced Expeditionary Combat School, Riverine Combat School, and Riverine Security Team training.  He then reported to Riverine Squadron One, qualifying as a PUMA Operator (ROMAD) and Unmanned Aircraft System Operator before deploying to Iraq in May 2010.

Upon returning, he was selected for the Naval Aviation Warfare Development Command's Special Warfare Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) course, graduating in 2011.  He then became a plank owner of Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Four, deploying twice to Bahrain for Maritime Security and Transit Security operations, where he earned his Boat Captain qualification.  Promoted to First Class Petty Officer in 2014, he reported to Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Atlantic (EWTGLANT) for his first instructor duty in September 2015, becoming a JTAC Instructor and Evaluator.

Selected to Chief Petty Officer in 2018, he transferred to SEAL Team TWO as Fires Chief and Assistant Program Manager, earning his Special Operations Forces JTAC Instructor/Evaluator qualification and deploying to Somalia.  While deployed he assisted in host nation operations and provided Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, and Close Air Support Defensive Strikes when needed.  Promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer in 2022, he returned for his second tour at EWTGLANT.

OSCS Barrett's personal decorations include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2), and the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (5).