Kelley Johnson – Below Deck

By starrymag | September 27, 2016

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

Q) What made you want to return to “Below Deck” this season?

A) I was disappointed in myself from the last season. Being able to watch yourself, and the decisions you make, gives you a great outside perspective. It was one of the best things that I could have done. I was able to learn a lot about myself and grow because I was on Season Two. So, this season for me is all about redemption and proving to the crew and Captain Lee that I am a capable Bosun.

 

Q) Last time you were on, you got to work with your sister Amy. How were dynamics different for you this time filming without her?

A) I missed my sister so much this season. Even just getting to talk on the phone with her helped me a lot at times, but it was for the best that she wasn’t on the show with me. I had no crutch to lean on this time around. I was forced into a new situation that was very much sink or swim. It put me in an uncomfortable situation with no one to lean on, but it also allowed me to shine in a lot of ways.

 

Q) You are a Bosun this season. What are your new responsibilities?

A) I am in charge of the Deck crew this year. Basically, if the job isn’t getting done, I am the one the Captain comes to if things aren’t up to par. You might see that this season. I manage the Deck department, set schedules and make sure the boat is up to the Captain’s standards. It is a challenging experience, but rewarding beyond belief.

 

Q) Being Bosun, has this given you a new respect for what Eddie went through in the past seasons?

A) I just want to start this off with a very sincere apology to Eddie (Lucas)! If I would have known what grief I caused him, I would have acted much differently. I always respected Eddie. I strived to be as good as a Bosun as he was to me. I have held the title of First Mate and even in that position I tried to lead like Eddie. He was very much lead from the front type of guy. He never asked you to do anything he wouldn’t do.

 

Q) How has your relationship with Amy changed since sharing time together on the Ohana?

A) “Below Deck” brought my sister and I so close after many years of very little communication. We have stayed close and I don’t plan on that changing. My relationship with my sister is a very special one that I cherish.

 

Q) We have seen many of the crew clash with Trevor. What was your first impression of him?

A) For all first impressions I like to give everyone a fair chance upon our first few days together. Trevor definitely was a more challenging deckhand than I’ve managed in a while. I wish I was able to connect with him within those first few days to avoid potential problems building within the deckhands. At the end of the day, his performance is somewhat of a reflection of me and my leadership

 

Q) There have been some teasers to some romantic drama to come. Do you have any regrets from your time on the Valor?

A) I can actually say that I have no regrets this season! That’s actually quite nice to reply that way. I’m not saying I don’t have hiccups or I don’t make any mistakes because…well I do (some might be BIG). This season was a growing experience as a leader under Captain Lee and I am going to stumble and I may make some mistakes with the crew, but none that I regret!

 

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming this season?

A) The whole experience as a whole was amazing and I can’t pick out one or two. I think every charter had its own ups and downs, but the goodbye after the charter season with Captain Lee was definitely the most memorable out of everything.

 

Q) Have you kept in touch with the charter guest from the Instagram meetup?

A) I did keep in touch with them and they are all wonderful! Kelsey and I went our separate ways after talking for a bit. She lived in New York and I lived in Florida so it just wasn’t meant to be and for the better. I now have a wonderful woman in my life and she has a great guy.

 

Q) Are you getting recognized from Below Deck more when you go out?

A) That would require me to go out! I’m just kidding! I have actually only gotten recognized once so far. I actually don’t mind the anonymous life, not that I mind having people come up and ask! It’s flattering in a way, but like I tell everyone I still work for a living and I am just like a normal working person. My work just happens to be on TV.

 

Q) Is there anything you want to be sure fans know about you and this season of Below Deck?

A) This season was amazing to film and even better to watch. I think with every episode it’s going to get better and better. I also want to give a shout out to all the fans. Without ya’ll we wouldn’t be getting to do this. So much love from me to ya’ll.

 

Below Deck airs Tuesday’s at 9pm ET/PT on Bravo