Cdr. Jim O'Keefe Bio
Cdr. Jim O'KeefeU.S. Coast Guard
Currently Commander O'Keefe serves as the Chief, Aviation Platforms Division, in the Coast Guard's Office of Aviation Forces, Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington DC. In that post, he manages all aspects of support programs for all eight airframe types the Coast Guard flies, a fleet of more than 200 aircraft. He coordinates planning and integration of new aircraft, equipment, avionics and sensors into the Coast Guard aviation fleet. He also oversees development of new mission sets and the creation of applicable tactics, techniques and procedures.
His most recent job prior to Coast Guard Headquarters was as the Chief, Aviation Special Missions Branch, Aviation Training Center Mobile. O'Keefe has held Flight Examiner status in every Coast Guard rotary-wing qualification. During his tour at the Aviation Training Center, he was involved with SAR operations following Hurricanes Dennis, Ivan and Katrina.
He also has stood operational SAR duty in Alaska and Florida. Prior to serving in the Coast Guard, O'Keefe was a Navy instructor pilot at NAS Whiting Field and deployed as a Navy helicopter pilot to the Persian Gulf, North Atlantic, Mediterranean and Indian Oceans.
He has flown the M/HH-60J, HH-3F, TH-57B/C, and SH-2F, and has more than 7800 military flight hours.
