David Burke, recently named deputy superintendent of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, has flown more than 3,500 Navy helicopter flight hours above the earth, across the world.
David spent many years as a Navy helicopter pilot before joining the sanctuary team.
“I’ve spent a lot of time flying, over oceans, mountains and deserts, seeing things that most people don’t get the opportunity to see,” David said.
He spent five years on aircraft carriers with deployments of six to 10 months, and witnessed construction of manmade islands in Dubai and Bahrain.
But as a self-proclaimed environmental “tree-hugger,” he now has his feet planted on terra firma in Key West.
David and his wife Sue landed in the Keys during the COVID-19 pandemic. Navy housing was unavailable at the time, so they purchased an island city home — a decision that proved fortuitous for their future.
David first wanted to be a Navy pilot as a young boy growing up near Saratoga Springs, New York, where his father frequently took him to air shows. He earned an undergraduate degree in political science from the U.S. Naval Academy, as well as certification at the Navy Dive School — and also holds two master’s degrees.
Now David oversees operations, partner agreements, budget planning and execution, and various supervisory tasks for the sanctuary. He’s also involved with community outreach in the final stages of the sanctuary’s Restoration Blueprint management plan — in the works since 2011.
David and his wife Sue pay a visit to Key West’s Southernmost Point marker.
Sue is executive assistant to County Commissioner Jim Scholl. The Burkes recently celebrated the birth of their first granddaughter, and are passionate “parents” of two Aussiedoodles.
Keys Voices: When did you first come to the Florida Keys and why?
David Burke: In 1996 for Navy training events. I transferred to JIATFS in 2020 with Sue for my final assignment in the Navy.
KV: What aspects of the Keys environment or way of life matter most to you?
DB: The Keys, a remarkable place, from a distance look undisturbed, pristine and inviting. It is incredibly important to preserve and protect this phenomenal environment, while balancing resilience initiatives.
KV: Who or what inspired you to become passionate about respecting and protecting the Keys’ natural world?
DB: I was raised in upstate New York, and the Adirondack Mountains were practically in my backyard. Our lakes and parks were among the cleanest in the nation. I’ve gravitated to the mountains, parks, lakes or coastlines to experience the world and its wonder. It is easy to do that here, where a short walk, paddle, or boat ride provides a snapshot of that tranquility.
David believes strongly in the importance of balancing environmental preservation with resilience initiatives.
KV: How does that passion influence your work or profession?
DB: I’ve found one of the best jobs in the Florida Keys at the National Marine Sanctuary! It is exciting to apply the leadership and management skills I developed over 30 years in the Navy to protect the Keys’ most precious resource. The sanctuary is vast, at over 2,800 square miles. Our mission goes beyond protection and preservation. It is also an invitation to visitors, a key part of the tourism economy, a resource for commerce and fishing, a laboratory for scientific discovery and a living museum for Keys heritage.
KV: What are some of the ways, personally or through your work, that you connect with and/or help protect the local environment and unique lifestyle?
DB: Being a part of this community. The people who stay have grit, determination, compassion and a little bit of luck. Sue and I are active in the Sunrise Rotary and support numerous other service and fundraising projects.
KV: What keeps you energized, challenged and focused on your path?
David enjoys applying the leadership and management skills he developed in the Navy to protecting the Keys’ environment.
DB: One of the first things we noticed in Key West was its cleanliness. It is remarkable that each morning the streets are clean, trash is removed and the city is ready for another day. There is always some way to pitch in.
KV: What do you hope your positive environmental actions will accomplish?
DB: To foster seamless integration among the many groups that are stakeholders in sanctuary resources and activities, so that Keys waters will continue to thrive for decades to come.
KV: What message do you want your actions and example to communicate to people you encounter?
DB: Get involved and contribute. Our community is very generous and engaged, and you can always find some way to participate. Every person can make a difference.
KV: What’s your favorite natural or eco-friendly activity in the Keys?
DB: It’s great to get out on the water and spend a day at the sandbars or kayaking through the mangroves. Every trip is a reminder that we should block off more time to do so.
