Golf Clubs & Lessons for Keethrone “Mean Gene” Eugene, Operations Specialist Master Chief, U.S. Navy, Retired
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April 3, 2025
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April 15, 2025We had the privilege of meeting Keethrone "Mean Gene" Eugene OSCM(SW), U.S. Navy, Retired. In our humble opinion, nothing was mean about him, only kindness. He received his golf clubs and first lesson with U.S. Army Veteran and golf professional Chris Yeager at Deercreek Golf Club.
"Mean Gene" at Sea and Shore
Master Chief Keethrone T. Eugene, is a proud native of Braithwaite, LA, who has dedicated over thirty years to honorable naval service. He enlisted in 1994, beginning his journey at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, before attending Operations Specialist "A" School in Dam Neck, VA.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, and an Associate of Arts in General Studies from Maryland University College.
Keethrone's extensive sea service included tours aboard USS MCINERNEY (FFG 8), USS TICONDEROGA (CG 47), USS CARNEY (DDG 64) (two tours, Mayport/ROTA), Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1), USS FORT MCHENRY (LSD 43), Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT), Navy Region Southeast Headquarters.
His distinguished shore tours include Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT) (formerly CINCPACFLT), Special Operations Command Central Forward (SOCCENT FWD), Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (COMUSNAVCENT), Afloat Training Group Detachment Mayport (ATGM), Commander, Mine Countermeasures Squadron FIVE (MCRON 5), Commander, Destroyer Squadron Fourteen (CDS-14), Commander, Naval Surface Squadron Fourteen (CNSS 14).
Keethrone was promoted to Chief Operations Specialist in 2005. He continued to rise through the ranks, earning Senior Chief in 2014 while serving aboard USS CARNEY. In August 2017, he was promoted to Master Chief while assigned to Commander, Naval Surface Squadron Fourteen.
After retiring from active duty, Keethrone continues his dedication to service as the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Manager & Employment Resources Specialist at Naval Station Mayport FFSC. In this role, he provides career transition guidance, employment resources, and professional development to service members preparing for civilian
careers.
Master Chief Eugene's decorations include:
• Defense Meritorious Service Medal
• Meritorious Service Medal (2 Awards)
• Joint Service Commendation Medal
• Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal (8 Awards)
• Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6 Awards)
• Numerous individual campaign and unit awards
Saluting Keethrone T Eugene
We salute Keethrone for his remarkable service to our nation and his continued support of fellow servicemen and women during their separation from the U.S. armed forces.
