CDR Michael J. 'Keats' Keating USN (Ret.)

Commander Michael J. 'Keats' Keating, USN (Ret.) of La Jolla, CA, departed this world on 26 January 2024 at 63 years of age.

Keats passed while hiking towards Angel's Landing at Zion National Park in Utah with his wife, Stacey, by his side. The impact on those he leaves behind will be preserved for as long as his name is recalled by the multitude who knew and loved him.

Born 10 May 1960 in Weymouth, MA, Keats grew up in several cities and towns as the family followed their father John D. 'Jack' Keating, USNA '54, across the nation. Keats developed athleticism and outdoorsmanship in Fairfax, VA, first as a Boy Scout and later in high school pursuing football and track at W. T. Woodson HS. A career opportunity for Jack brought Keats to Lake Catholic High School in Mentor, OH, where he lettered in track before graduating in 1978.

Prior to entering the United States Naval Academy in 1979, Keats spent a post-graduate year at Bullis in Potomac, MD. A member of the 29th company (then subsequently assigned to the 9th company), Keats played 150-lb. football for Navy and graduated in 1983 with a BS in Applied Science.

Upon graduation, Keats reported to NAS Pensacola, FL, for basic flight training. His next orders were to Mather AFB, California, where he earned his wings as a Naval Flight Officer in 1985.

A few months later, he married Stacey Elizabeth (Finn) Keating of Towson, MD, at St. Leo's in Fairfax, VA, on 27 April 1985.

Following their wedding, Keats and Stace moved to California where he completed P-3C ORION Advanced Flight Training at VP-31, NAS Moffett Field. His next orders brought Keats to NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii, in December 1985, where he joined VP-4 and deployed to NAS Adak, Alaska and NAS Cubi Point, Philippines. His time in Hawaii set in motion a lifelong passion for surf, swells, sun, and sand.

In 1989, Keats returned to Annapolis for duty as an Instructor of Naval Leadership in the Division of Professional Development at the Naval Academy before returning to NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii.

Keats then served in VPU-2, commanding detachments throughout the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean theaters, including combat reconnaissance missions in Somalia during Operation Continue Hope. In January 1995, he reported to VP-9 as a Department Head, completing deployments to the Arabian Gulf/Indian Ocean and Misawa/Kadena, Japan. In 1997, Keats served as the P-3 Force Training and Readiness Officer at the Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Force Pacific. During this time, Keats was summoned by his boss to report to White Plains Beach, NAS Barber's Point, for mandatory early morning surf sessions.

By the time the sun set on their Hawaiian life, Mike -- as he was known to his family -- and Stace had welcomed Kelsey Elizabeth, Susanna Marie, Caroline Nicoll, and Liam Michael into their ohana, all born at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu.

In January 2000, a new mainland adventure awaited Mike and family in Orlando, FL, where he reported to the Naval Air Systems Command-Training as Program Manager for P-3 Training. While in Orlando, he and his family would travel to visit his brother where Mike was considered a Florida waterman, highly skilled in Upper-Keys inshore navigation, snorkeling, and wave runner operation.

Following the events of 11 September 2001, Keats reported to the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65) at Norfolk, VA, as Weapons/Anti-Terrorism Force Protection (ATFP) Officer. As the 'Gun Boss' Keats oversaw the ship's security posture, as well as ensuring that all aspects of its weapons operations were properly executed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Keats' innovative ATFP training program was adopted as the 'Fleet standard' for all existing U.S. aircraft carriers.

His final tour was Director, Patrol, Training and C41 Aircraft Test at COMOPTEVFOR in Norfolk, VA.

In a nod to Keating family history, Keats finished his distinguished Naval career during a retirement ceremony in the precise room as his parent's 1959 wedding reception at NAS Oceana Officers' Club, Virginia Beach, VA, in 2007.

Keats entered the private sector providing acquisition and program management support for the Capstone Corporation in Virginia Beach. In recent years, specializing in Navy-related technology programs, he advised companies seeking investment in research and development (R&D) and science and technology (S&T) opportunities, including Blue Sky Innovative Systems, Marlinspike Systems/Resolute Team, Skydweller, and Booz Allen Hamilton of San Diego, CA.

In 2019, Mike experienced a level of back pain he attributed to a minor All Sports Day injury. Unexpectedly, he received a diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma, an uncommon blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and the body's blood-forming system. With Stace at his side and legions of support from loyal friends and adoring family, he faced cancer with grace, calm and a precise, non-negotiable plan. Mike and Stace moved to Houston, Texas, where he received treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center. After beating cancer, he resumed athletic pursuits, including hiking, swimming, golfing, and, of course, training for All Sports Day.

Above all, Mike held a trinity of priorities paramount in his life: Family & Friends, Nation, and God. He held his wife, children, grandson, parents, brothers, sister, and extended family in highest regard with limitless love. He cultivated and cherished a vast network of true friends. Throughout his life, he found joy in sharing his astute knowledge and love of music. He deftly balanced these priorities between his most important events: Thanksgiving, Christmas, All Sports Day, and an annual hike up Old Rag Mountain in Sperryville, VA. A devout Christian who diligently studied the Bible and led by example, Mike's stories, his vernacular, his integrity, and his essence will live on for generations to come.

Keats earned two Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, two National Defense Service Medals and various other individual and unit decorations.

CDR Michael J. Keating, USN (Ret.) is survived by his wife of 38 years, Stacey; daughters Kelsey of Astoria, NY, Susanna of Lakeland, FL, Caroline of Williamsburg, VA; only son Liam of Williamsburg, VA; and grandson Julian of Williamsburg, VA. He also leaves his mother Joan Keating of Fulton, MD; brothers John Keating (Judith) of Englewood, FL, and Geoffrey Keating (Katharine) of Warrenton, VA; and sister Leslie Keating Nalewaik (David) of Fulton, MD. He is predeceased by his father, John D. Keating, USNA Class of 1954.

Services for CDR Michael J. Keating, USN (Ret.) are scheduled for 9 May 2024 at 1030 at the Naval Academy Chapel followed by interment at the USNA Columbarium in Annapolis.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Halo House Foundation, a place of hope and healing, enabling access to lifesaving treatment of the Texas Medical Center by providing affordable fully-furnished apartments and a community of support to blood cancer patients and their caregivers.

https://www.halohousefoundation.org/