Navy to Give SEAL Killed in Iraq Posthumous Promotion

SAN DIEGO, CA: The Coronado-based SEAL killed in Iraq last week will be posthumously promoted to chief petty officer, the Navy announced Wednesday.

Petty Officer First Class Charles H. Keating IV, 31, was fatally shot in a May 3 battle with Islamic State forces in Tall Usquf, Iraq. According to the Navy, ISIS broke through the front lines north of the city of Mosul, and Keating's SEAL team and air support were called in to repulse the attack.

The Navy said the promotion will be retroactive to the day of Keating's death.

The announcement came on the day his body was returned to Naval Base Coronado, driven through the city in a motorcade while naval personnel stood at attention.

Memorial services are scheduled Friday for the SEAL, who grew up in Phoenix as a star long-distance runner and grandson of financier Charles Keating from the 1980s savings and loan scandal.

His remains will be driven through Coronado to the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. The services are private, but the Navy is encouraging the public to line the processional route along Sixth Street in Coronado around noon to pay their respects.

City News Service

(Photo provided by Naval Special Warfare Group ONE Public Affairs Office)