Charles Humphrey Keating IV
Charles Humphrey Keating IV (“C4”), (February 26, 1985 – May 3, 2016), was a Navy SEAL sniper whose love for his country, devotion to his family and teammates, and zest for life continue to inspire others.
While assigned to SEAL Team 3, Keating completed two deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. In July 2013, he was assigned to Naval Special Warfare Training Detachment One, where he became responsible for training all West Coast-based snipers as a Sniper/Reconnaissance Cell Leading Petty Officer. In February 2015, Keating became a platoon leading petty officer at SEAL Team 1 and later deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq as a Senior Enlisted Advisor.
Keating repeatedly put his own life in danger in combat to protect others. During one deployment, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with "V" for Valor.
On May 3, 2016, Keating was part of a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) that was on standby to help Kurdish Peshmerga forces and a small U.S. advise-and-assist SEAL team. The advise-and-assist team and U.S. surveillance were hit by a surprise attack consisting of about 125 ISIS fighters with about 20 technical vehicles. During the ensuing firefight Keating took a direct hit from enemy fire which took his life.
On May 10, Keating was posthumously awarded the Silver Star—later upgraded to a Navy Cross—by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus.
The C4 Foundation was founded in 2017 in honor of Charlie Keating IV. The foundation owns and operates a 560-acre ranch located 75 miles east of San Diego in the Mesa Grande area. The foundation and ranch are dedicated to helping SEALs recover from their high stress jobs. Charlie’s spirit lives on through the C4 Foundation's efforts. The C4 Foundation’s mission is to significantly reduce stress, strengthen family connections, and nurture feelings of optimism and gratitude. More information about Charlie Keating IV and the C4 Foundation can be found here: C4foundation.org.
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