Duval Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Rick Scott has introduced a resolution to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the terrorist attack at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola. The attack, which took place on December 6th, 2019, resulted in the deaths of three U.S. sailors and several others wounded. Senators Marco Rubio, Katie Britt, Tommy Tuberville, Jon Ossoff, and Raphael Warnock have co-sponsored the resolution.

In response to the attack, Senator Rick Scott fought for the inclusion of the Secure U.S. Bases Act in the National Defense Authorization Act in 2020. This act aimed to improve and reform foreign military student training programs. It introduced a thorough vetting process for foreign students entering the U.S., required them to follow rules established by U.S. Base Commanders, and significantly enhanced the security of military installations, service members, their families, and the surrounding communities.

Senator Rick Scott expressed his condolences and paid tribute to the three U.S. sailors who lost their lives in the attack. He said, "Today, we remember the lives of three brave Americans we tragically lost. Joshua Kaleb Watson, Mohammed Haitham, and Cameron Walters dedicated their lives to serving and protecting our country, and are missed every day by their friends, family, and all who knew them. This act of terror never should have happened, and following the attack, I fought for significant reform through my Secure U.S. Bases Act that became law, and I will never stop working to make sure our bases are safe and this never happens again. Although it has been four years, the pain caused by the loss of these sailors will never go away."

Senator Marco Rubio also expressed his condolences and highlighted the bravery and heroism of the fallen service members. He said, "Four years ago, three of our brave service members tragically lost their lives in a senseless act of terror at NAS Pensacola. Today, we remember their legacies of bravery and heroism, and honor the first responders who responded that day."

Senator Tommy Tuberville praised Ensign Watson for his courage and selflessness. He said, "Ensign Watson embodied the spirit of American heroism, standing tall in the face of terrorism to save others - even at the expense of his own life. His courage and quick action saved countless lives on a tragic day for our nation."

Senator Katie Britt emphasized the importance of honoring and remembering the three servicemembers who lost their lives in the attack. She said, "We will always remember the three courageous servicemembers who were killed in a terrorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola on December 6, 2019, including Alabama's Joshua 'Kaleb' Watson - a native of my hometown of Enterprise. Answering our country's call to serve is one of the most noble actions that any American can undertake, and we will continue to honor and remember these three brave young men as the heroes that they were."

The resolution introduced by Senator Rick Scott serves as a reminder of the tragic events that took place at NAS Pensacola four years ago. It also highlights the ongoing efforts to improve the security of military bases and ensure the safety of service members and their communities.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2023/12/sen-rick-scott-introduces-resolution-to-honor-fourth-anniversary-of-nas-pensacola-terrorist-attack