Charlie Keehl enlisted in the Navy in April 1970.  He attended Navy Boot Camp at San Diego Naval Training Area in San Diego, California.  His goal was to be an engine man in the Navy but was assigned to train as a machinist mate/ fireman. He spent time on the USS Dixie, a destroyer repair shop based out of the harbor. His time was spent training and getting ready for combat.
In June 1971 he boarded the destroyer, USS Rupertus DD851, located five miles off the coast of Vietnam. This ship provided troop support for those on land.

- The Keehl Family