hief Mass Communication Specialist (EXW/SW) Kelsey Eades is a native of Hudson, Wisconsin. She enlisted in the Navy on Jan. 12, 2016. Following basic training, she completed “A” School at the Defense Information School and graduated as an honor graduate and recipient of the MC1 Bobby McRill Excellence Award.
In October 2016, she reported to Navy Public Affairs Support Element West. During that time, she served aboard USS Princeton (CG 59) from March to December 2017 as an independent MC in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. She served as Princeton’s subject matter expert for the SNOOPIE team and visual production efforts.
In April to May of 2018, Eades deployed with USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) as the public affairs leading petty officer during routine operations in the 3rd Fleet.
In June to August 2018, she deployed to Hawaii as part of the public affairs team for Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2018 and served aboard the Royal Australian Navy HMAS Adelaide (L01) representing the U.S. Navy public affairs.
From September 2018 to April 2019, she deployed with Commander, Task Force 75 out of Naval Base Guam, covering all expeditionary public affairs for their subordinate commands. Of her notable work she covered high visibility operations during Joint Exercise Cobra Gold and the humanitarian recovery efforts for Typhoon Mangkhut and Super Typhoon Yutu.
From July 2019 to June 2021, Eades served as the Deputy Public Affairs Officer for Commander, Submarine Squadron 15, Guam. In 2020, she documented all COVID-19 island recovery operations and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) outbreak containment efforts. She earned her command two Thompson-Ravitz awards and three Navy Public Affairs Awards. For her efforts, she was recognized by the public affairs community as the 2019 Russell Egnor Navy Strategic Communicator of the Year and the 2020 Junior MC of the Year. Her command selected her as the 2020 Junior MC of the Year.
In 2021, she was hand-selected for the Military Photojournalism course at S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. While attending school, she was recognized with the Exemplary Service Award by the U.S. Navy Public Affairs Association for her career exemplifying excellence and leadership.
She is currently stationed aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4) as Media Division’s leading chief petty officer and public affairs officer.
Her military decorations include awards such as seven Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and two Humanitarian Service Medal.
She is married to Sebastian Eades and together they have one Belgian Malinois puppy, Magnus.
