Having stood a good number
of security watches on ships, boats and naval bases during my time in the U.S. Navy, my heart goes out to the
sailors who died in the line of duty during the active shooting incident at NAS Pensacola.
The U.S. Navy News
Service released the below statement:
WASHINGTON (NNS) --
Three Sailors died during an active shooter incident at Naval Air Station
Pensacola, Dec. 6.
The identities of the
Sailors are:
- Ensign Joshua Kaleb
Watson, Student, Naval Aviation Schools Command, 23, from Enterprise, Alabama
- Airman Mohammed Sameh
Haitham, Student, Naval Aviation Schools Command, 19, from St. Petersburg,
Florida
- Airman Apprentice
Cameron Scott Walters, Student, Naval Aviation Schools Command, 21, from
Richmond Hill, Georgia
“The sorrow from the
tragic event on NAS Pensacola will have a lasting impact on our installation
and community,” said Capt. Tim Kinsella, commanding officer, NAS Pensacola. “We
feel the loss profoundly and grieve with the family and friends of the
deceased. The Sailors that lost their lives in the line of duty and
showed exceptional heroism and bravery in the face of evil. When
confronted, they didn’t run from danger; they ran towards it and saved
lives. If not for their actions, and the actions of the Naval Security
Force that were the first responders on the scene, this incident could have
been far worse.”
The installation is now
open to mission essential personnel only through the weekend. Families
who live on base will have access to the base and their residences. The
National Naval Aviation Museum is closed until further notice. The
Barrancas National Cemetery is closed to visitors until further notice.
An Emergency Family
Assistance Center was established today and will reopen at the Fleet and Family
Service Center (FFSC). FFSC will have counselors there to support witnesses,
friends, family and base residents. They can be contacted at (850) 452-5990.
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