From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
PENSACOLA, Fla. — A sailor from Alabama was identified as one of three victims in the Friday shooting at Naval Air Station Pensacola, according to a statement released by the Navy on Saturday night.
Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson, Student, Naval Aviation Schools Command, 23, from Coffee, Alabama, was listed in the statement among those killed.
Also killed by the gunman were Airman Mohammed Sameh Haitham, Student, Naval Aviation Schools Command, 19, from St. Petersburg, Florida, and Airman Apprentice Cameron Scott Walters, Student, Naval Aviation Schools Command, 21, from Richmond Hill, Georgia.
“The Sailors that lost their lives in the line of duty and showed exceptional heroism and bravery in the face of evil,” Capt. Tim Kinsella, NAS Pensacola commanding officer said. “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 shooter was previously identified as Mohammed Alshamrani, 21, a 2nd lieutenant in the Royal Saudi Air Force. Alshamrani was a student naval flight officer of Naval Aviation Schools Command.
The shooting remains under investigation for possible terrorist ties.
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.