LtCol Keene was born in Queens, NY. He was raised in the suburbs of New York City and graduated from State University of New York at Albany with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Following completion of Platoon Leaders Course and graduation from school, he was commissioned a 2ndLt and reported to The Basic School as a member of Alpha Company 1-04.

After graduation from TBS, LtCol Keene reported to Flight School in Pensacola, FL. He attended Primary Flight Training with the Air Force at Vance AFB, Enid, OK. After subsequently completing Advanced Flight Training in Milton, FL, he was winged as a Naval Aviator in February of 2006. In March 2006, LtCol Keene reported to HMLAT-303 in Camp Pendleton, CA, for flight training in the AH-1W. Upon completing HMLAT-303, he was assigned to HMLA-267 where he deployed on three Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU). The first of which was with the 13th MEU and HMM-163 (REIN) where he took part in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). He then deployed to Okinawa as part of the 31st MEU with HMM-262 (REIN) and participated in multiple Theatre Security Cooperation (TSC) events in Southeast Asia. Following that deployment, LtCol Keene attended Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 1-09 and subsequently deployed on another 13th MEU to the CENTCOM Theatre. LtCol Keene then reported to HMLAT-303 as an instructor and transitioned to the AH-1Z. He attained all possible qualifications in the AH-1Z and became the Aviation Safety Officer and Department of Safety and Standardization (DOSS) OIC during his tenure there. Following a tour on the MAG-39 staff, LtCol Keene was assigned to HMLA-369 where he then deployed with the 11th MEU and VMM-163 (REIN) as the H-1 Detachment OIC for a combat deployment to CENTCOM. Upon return, he assumed the duties of Operations Officer and deployed on UDP with HMLA-369, planning and participating in numerous TSC events. LtCol Keene was then assigned to HQMC Aviation where he served in the Plans, Policy and Budgetary Matters Branch within HQMC, Aviation and subsequently as the Aviation Development Officer, HQMC, Programs and Resources. LtCol Keene then assumed the role of Operations Officer for MAG-39.

LtCol Keene has received a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Marshall University and a Master of Business Administration from the Naval Post Graduate School. His personal awards include a Meritorious Service Medal 2nd award, an Individual Air Medal with Combat V, Strike/Flight Air Medal 3rd Award, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal 2nd award, and a Navy /Marine Corps Achievement Medal.