A St. Francis High School graduate and Pasadena native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Commander Strike Fighter Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CSFWP).

Lt j.g. CL Keedy works as a pilot and operates out of Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore, California.

Keedy is currently learning more about the basic capabilities of the F-18 Super Hornet and how to employ weapons and tactics.

“I like the amount of responsibility and the magnitude of our mission,” Keedy said. “I truly feel my job has a purpose.”

“Lemoore has been home to the Navy’s west coast strike fighter community since 1980, when strike fighter squadron VFA-125 was the first squadron established to train Navy and Marine Corps aviators in the F/A-18 Hornet,” said Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander, Naval Air Forces.

The strike fighter wing, headquartered at NAS Lemoore, ensures that each squadron is fully combat-ready to conduct carrier-based, all-weather, attack, fighter and support missions for the Pacific Fleet.

“There’s a lot of good instructors who care about our progression and well-being,” Keedy said. “There’s so much knowledge and experience here and I truly enjoy the mentorship.”

With the CSFWP consisting of more than 20 squadrons, highly specialized jobs range from training new aviators to maintaining airframes and engines, to handling and flying aircraft.

“It’s important to put others before you and ensure the team first mentality,” Keedy said. “I enjoy the constant challenge of pushing outside of my comfort zone.”