Sumter native supports U.S. Navy Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron

SAN DIEGO - Lt. Keelan Kane-Yearman, a native of Sumter, South Carolina, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 49.

Kane-Yearman graduated from Sumter High School in 2015.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Sumter.

"Sumter is a very small town and a hard-working community," said Kane-Yearman. "I learned I was going to have to work hard for everything I wanted. I will always appreciate where I came from and use the skills I learned growing up to succeed in the Navy."

Kane-Yearman joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Kane-Yearman serves as a pilot.

"I joined the Navy for a better life," said Kane-Yearman. "I wanted to follow in the footsteps of many of my family members and serve my country."

Members of HSM 49 fly and maintain the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, the Navy's most advanced rotary wing maritime strike platform. The Navy MH-60R is able to perform many different missions. Some of the most common operations include strikes on maritime targets, submarine hunting and attack, electronic warfare, search and rescue, medical evacuations and supply support.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

"We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day," said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. "Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs."

Kane-Yearman has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

"I am most proud of being able to say that within five years I have built so many amazing relationships with my command," said Kane-Yearman. "I have met people from all different walks of life as well as being able to learn and become a helicopter pilot and a lieutenant in the Navy."

Kane-Yearman serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.

"Serving in the Navy means being part of something bigger and more important than yourself," said Kane-Yearman. "It may seem like the small things we each do daily don't make a difference, but together we keep the world running and safe. We are tasked with the responsibility to uphold the Navy's core values and protect and defend those less fortunate who can't help themselves."

Kane-Yearman is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

"I want to thank my mom, Mary Anne, for being my biggest fan and always supporting me," added Kane-Yearman. "I would also like to thank all my fellow sailors for their time and my coaches and mentors for making me the best sailor I can be."