Anchors aweigh for area sailor

Seaman Apprentice Willie Keese is stationed aboard the USS John Hartwell, Georgia native Willie Keese is serving aboard the USS John S. McCain, living and work at a Navy base in Japan.  Only 20 years old, seaman apprentice Keese finds himself with lots of responsibilities, but he considers it a great experience and has told the Navy he plans to make his service a career.  Assigned to the Navy’s 7th Fleet and Destroyer Squadron 15, McCain sailors are continuous watch through out the Ind-Pacific region.  The destroyer is 505 feet long and carries a crew of 300.  We’ve learned also this morning that among the 300-member crew is Christopher Smith of Westminster.  Smith is an officer on the USS McCain and is due to complete a three-year deployment in November and return home.