Naval Security Force personnel who stopped an armed gunman at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas, back in May have been recognized for their actions.
Acting Under Secretary of the Navy Gregory Slavonic presented the 11 sailors and one civilian with their awards on Friday.
"These individuals’ rapid, decisive actions, and their courage under fire, ensured no loss of life,” he said. “This surprise assault could have been deadlier, but they utilized their training and responded swiftly and exceptionally thwarting the nefarious intent by the intruder.”
Around 6:15 a,m. on May 21, an armed suspect attempted to enter the Naval Air Station Ocean Gate. As his vehicle approached, he fired a handgun hitting the sentry, Master-at-Arms Second Class Petty Officer Yaisa Coburn, in her protective vest; and then attempted to proceed on to the base.
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Coburn activated the Final Denial Barrier, radioed dispatch, and returned fire. The second sentry, MA3 Levi Milligan, exposed himself to hostile fire to go to his chase vehicle in order to be prepared to chase the suspect.
When the barrier stopped the vehicle, the gunman got out of his car and started shooting at Milligan with semi-automatic rifle fire. Other members of the NSF team responded to the scene and engaged the gunman. While the gunman engaged these units, Coburn and Milligan neutralized the gunman without his ever having gained access to the base.
Responding personnel included Federal Officer Stuart Levitt; MA1 Candace Dickson, watch commander/incident commander; MA2 Jamie Moore, patrol supervisor/on-scene commander; MA3 Daniel Wallace; MA2 Lorne Mayfield; MA2 Robert Delgado; MA2 Franko Hunter; and MA2 Gregory Listman.
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“The NSF team promptly contained the situation and prevented the suspect from gaining access to the base, its employees and residents,” said NAS Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Jason. “They definitely saved lives."
Coburn and Milligan both received Navy and Marine Corps Medals, the highest non-combat decoration awarded for heroism.
Levitt was awarded the Distinguished Civilian Medal for Valor, the highest honorary recognition the Secretary of the Navy can award to a civilian employee for unusual acts of heroism beyond the call of duty.
The seven sailors that responded to the scene were awarded Navy Commendation Medals, presented for meritorious service under fire.
Two sailors, MA3 Colby Gillette and MASN Edmond Cristales, were also recognized for securing South/Main Gate to all traffic and establishing an emergency entry for responding mutual aid assistance.