Commander Keith “McFly” Graebner, a native of Collierville, Tennessee, commissioned through Officer Candidate School and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in May 2007. After being designated as a Naval Aviator in January 2008, he immediately reported to the HS-10 “Warhawks” for initial fleet training in the SH-60F/H Seahawk.  

CDR Graebner began his operational sea tour flying in September 2008 with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron ONE FOUR (HS-14), in Atsugi, Japan.  While a “Charger”, he made three deployments aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) and USS MCCAMPBELL (DDG-85), throughout the INDOPACOM AOR, participating in Operation TOMADACHI and various multi-national exercises. 

CDR Graebner reported to Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School Pacific (HSCWSP) in June 2013 after being designated a Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) through the Rotary Wing Weapons School in Fallon, Nevada in May 2013 and completing the transition to the MH-60S at the HSC-3 Fleet Replacement Squadron.  During his time at HSCWSP, he served as the Administrative Officer and Operations Officer.

In February 2016, CDR Graebner returned to sea duty as the squadron training and tactics officer for the “Blackjacks” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO ONE (HSC-21), ensuring qualifications for multiple expeditionary detachments comprised of both the MH-60S and MQ-8 Firescout.

CDR Graebner reported as a Department Head in January 2019 to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron FIVE (HSC-5) in Norfolk, VA.  As a “Nightdipper”, he deployed onboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) around the world to re-homeport CVN-72 in San Diego, CA. He served as Training Officer, Detachment Officer in Charge, and Maintenance Officer.

Following his department head tour, CDR Graebner served as J3 Air Branch Head at Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) in Oeiras, Portugal.  He was selected for squadron command in March 2023 and is currently serving as the Executive Officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Weapon School, Pacific Fleet. 

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Lambuth University and a Master of Science in Global Leadership from University of San Diego. CDR Graebner has amassed over 2,500 flight hours in the SH-60F/H, MH-60S, and various aircraft.  His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), and various other service and unit awards. 
 

Last Updated: 3 April 2025