Naval Air Reserve Whidbey Island honored Yeoman 1st Class Christine A. Kelso in a retirement ceremony at the Nor’Wester Club Sept. 17. Kelso’s husband, retired Staff Sgt. Charles Kelso, her father and two sisters, and the entire NAVAIRES staff attended the event. The guest speaker was Lt. Cmdr. Fred Redling, former NAVAIRES administration officer.

Kelso began her career in the United States Navy when she enlisted in the delayed entry program in Pittsburgh, Penn. on June 22, 1984 and was off to boot camp in Orlando, Fla. Dec. 10, 1984.

Kelso came into the Navy as an undesignated Airman and after boot camp she took orders to Attack Squadron (VA) 128 at NAS Whidbey Island, Wash. in April 1985. After choosing to enter the aviation structural mechanic rating she transferred to RAIMD Atlanta, Ga. February 12, 1989 and advanced to second-class petty officer.

Kelso made her way back to the West coast with an assignment to Naval Air Reserve Whidbey Island in June 1991. During a detailer’s visit in the summer of 1994, it was suggested that she cross rate due to medical reasons. After much soul-searching, she eventually decided to cross over to the yeoman rating. She passed the YN2 exam and received orders to Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Center Raleigh, N.C. in March 1999. 

She again made her way back to Oak Harbor by way of NAVAIRES Whidbey Island in October 1999. She advanced to first class petty officer June 8, 2001 and became the administration office leading petty officer.

Kelso was chosen as the NAVAIRES Whidbey Island Junior Sailor of the Year in 2001 and was Senior Sailor of the first Quarter for 2003.

During the ceremony Kelso was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal, a shadowbox containing a flag flown over Gettysburg National Military Park, and a letter of appreciation from the president of the United States.

Kelso said she was so thankful for all of the support everyone in the command has given her throughout her tour. She and her family plan to stay in the local area and she hopes to use her love of animals and work as a veterinary assistant.