The three sailors who died after a gunman opened fire at Naval Air Station Pensacola were posthumously awarded Wings of Gold.
Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly honored the three sailors, Joshua Watson, Mohammed Haitham, and Cameron Walters, following their death. The three were all in a classroom at the Florida naval base when Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, a Saudi national, opened fire. Eight others were injured in the shooting.
#BREAKING: @SECNAV Posthumously Awards Wings Of Gold To @NASPCOLA Shooting Victims.
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— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) December 10, 2019
“It is my honor today to present the Wings of Gold to the families of these three American heroes who were among the first to respond to horrific attacks upon our own naval family and tragically, were also our Sailors who made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting their brothers and sisters in arms,” Modly said.
He explained that the three sailors were on their way to achieving great things within the Navy and felt they deserved the honor of the Wings of Gold, which are typically reserved for heroic action in combat.
“Although this authorization pales in comparison to their immense bravery in the line of fire, this winging represents the symbolic achievement of the coveted goal that all three came to Pensacola to accomplish: to join the long line of naval aviators, flight officers, and aircrewmen who have served the cause of freedom so valiantly for over a century. Airman Haitham, Airman Walters, and Ensign Watson represent the highest virtues of naval aviation, and undoubtedly belong in that great fraternity of selfless service to our Navy, our Department, and our Nation,” Modly explained.
Chief of Naval Air Training Rear Adm. Daniel Dwyer, who oversees all undergraduate air training, called the sailors “incredible.”
“The selfless acts of heroism displayed by these young Sailors the morning of Dec. 6 are nothing short of incredible. They each embody the warrior ethos we expect and require of all wingmen. There is no doubt in my mind they each would have led the charge in their respective Naval Aviation careers,” Dwyer said. “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and our hearts are truly with the families and friends of our Shipmates.”
Commander, Naval Air Forces Vice Adm. DeWolfe Miller III added, “Ensign Watson, Airman Haitham and Airman Apprentice Walters are heroes,” Miller said. “Their actions and sacrifice embodied the competence, courage and character of those who wear Naval Aviation Wings of Gold. These wings were presented in honor of their brave actions and in everlasting memory of their sacrifice.”
The three died before completing their training, but a statement released by the Navy claimed all three were well respected and had what it took to achieve their goals.
“Student naval aviators are selected based on their aptitude for flight training. A recent U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Watson possessed the education, skills, and tenacity required of naval aviators and was set to begin the rigorous training toward earning his coveted Wings of Gold,” the statement said. “Naval aircrewmen, often said to be the Navy’s “guardian angels,” undergo some of the Navy’s most physically challenging training. Candidates must be comfortable in the water, and pass demanding physical fitness standards. Both Haitham and Walters possessed the strength, skill, and determination required of the Navy’s aircrewmen.”
Watson, in particular, was hailed for his heroic actions during the shooting. After being fatally injured, he was able to give a description of the gunman to first responders, likely saving more lives.
Alshamrani’s shooting is presumed to be an act of terror based on his ties to the Middle East. The Saudi government has condemned the shooting and has launched an investigation to see if Alshamrani may have been radicalized during a trip to the Middle East in February.
