Master Chief Key was born in Anniston, AL, as a military dependent and raised all over the United States. He entered into naval service on September 6, 1994 and completed recruit training at RTC Orlando, FL.
His first assignment was with Strike Fighter Squadron Eight Three (VFA 83) homeported at Naval Air Station (NAS) Cecil Field, FL. While assigned to the “Rampagers” he completed an Operation Southern Watch Deployment onboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75), and an Operation ENDURING FREEDOM deployment onboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65).
In February 2001, then AE3 Key accepted orders to AIMD Patuxent River, located at NAS Patuxent River, MD where he was advanced to Second Class Petty Officer. While assigned to AIMD, he served as Test Cell operator, Quality Assurance Representative, and Avionics Division Leading Petty Officer.
In March 2004, AE2 Key reported to the “Checkmates” of Antisubmarine Squadron Two Two (VS-22) at NAS Jacksonville, FL where he held a myriad of billets, completed two Arabian Gulf deployments, one surge deployment onboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73), and a on ground deployment to AL ASAD, IRAQ. During this tour he was selected as the 2007 Sailor of the Year, and inducted to the ranks of the Navy’s Chief Petty Officers.
In June 2009, then AEC Key reported to the “Salty Dogs” of VX-23, NAS Patuxent River, MD. There he served as Government Quality Assurance Representative and Government Maintenance Control Supervisor. His responsibilities included the safe release of aircraft, production oversight, and the sustainment Naval Support equipment. Prior to detaching VX-23 Chief Key was advanced to Senior Chief Petty Officer.
In July 2012, he reported to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Three (VQ-3) at Tinker Air force Base, OK where he served as the Avionics Division Leading Chief Petty Officer and Maintenance Control Supervisor. During this tour, the “Ironman” received the Battle Efficiency Award and Maintenance Golden Wrench Award. While in transit to his next duty station Senior Chief Key was selected to Master Chief Petty Officer.
In July 2015, he reported to the Navy Manpower Analysis Center (NAVMAC) located in Millington, TN. Here he served as the CODE Ten Leading Chief Petty Officer. He was the military liaison for the fleet to the Civilian contractors in all aspects of Manpower for the Surface fleet.
In November 2018, he reported to Patrol Squadron Ten in Jacksonville, FL. He served as the “Ironman” Maintenance Master Chief deploying to Fifth and Seventh Fleets, and once again earning his Maintenance department the Battle Efficiency and Maintenance Golden Wrench awards.
In September 2021, he reported to Fleet Readiness Center Southeast Detachment Mayport where he currently serves as Senior Enlisted Advisor (SEA).
Master Chief Key is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy. His decorations include three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, eleven Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and various other unit and service awards.