SAN PEDRO, Calif. — On the calm waters of Los Angeles’ harbor sits a retired U.S. Navy Battleship known as the USS Iowa. The ship in its heyday hosted a multitude of memories for David Canfield, a U.S. Navy veteran. Multiple members of Canfield’s family have served in the U.S. Navy. The decision for him to join came naturally.

“I signed as soon as I was able to do so,” Canfield said.

That career led to Canfield serving for nearly 22 years in both active duty and as a reservist. Part of his service was spent on the Battleship USS Iowa when tragedy struck on April 19, 1989.

“I was 19 years old, and we killed 47 sailors in an open breach explosion,” Canfield said. “It was a life-changing moment. This was the first time I had to deal with that type of trauma or tragedy, and it stays with you for a long time.”

That would be one of the first tragedies Canfield said he witnessed in his career. He eventually transitioned to civilian life working in Silicon Valley and ultimately mustered the strength to return to the ship. This time as a veteran, preserving the Battleship’s legacy as a museum onboard with the Pacific Battleship Center. This weekend, the nonprofit America Salutes You will be hosting its annual benefit concert, now in its seventh year, featuring Sara Evans, The Four Tops and more on the battleship.

The concert aims to honor and bring awareness to veteran, active military and first responder causes.

CEO of the nonprofit Bob Okun says it’s raised over $500,000 for organizations like the USO.

“Music is a great healer,” Okun said. “It’s a great way to bring people together. But more importantly, what I wanted to do is to annualize this so that we would never forget those who served.”

Onboard, Canfield hopes the ship’s new platform will help veterans move past the trauma that took place over three decades ago.

“If I can bring somebody on board and help them slay those demons the way I have been able to over the last ten years, simply by being here. Simply by remembering that our time on board was not all about the tragedy of April 19th. But about every day that wasn’t. Then that’s something. That’s success to me,” Canfield said.

The America Salutes You concert will be televised on Paramount Networks on Memorial Day.