Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) paid tribute to the fallen sailors, including Alabama's Joshua Kaleb Watson, on the anniversary of the Naval Air Station Pensacola terrorist attack that occurred on December 6, 2019.

"Today, on the anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, we honor the heroism of Alabamian Joshua Kaleb Watson, who ran towards danger, knowingly risking his own life, to save others. Ensign Watson was a true American hero who was stolen from his friends and family by barbaric terrorism. Today we honor Joshua Kaleb Watson, Mohammed Haitham, and Cameron Walters who were all killed five years ago while serving our nation. Had it not been for their bravery, more Americans would have lost their lives that day. As we commemorate the anniversary of this attack, we must never forget their tremendous patriotism and ultimate sacrifice," said Senator Britt.

The Senate unanimously passed a resolution recognizing the anniversary of the NAS Pensacola attack introduced by Senators Britt and Rick Scott (R-Fla.). The resolution was also cosponsored by Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.).

"Today, on the fifth anniversary of the tragic shooting at NAS Pensacola that senselessly took the lives of three brave Americans—Joshua Kaleb Watson, Mohammed Haitham and Cameron Walters—we honor their service and life dedicated to serving and protecting our country. Every day, they are missed by their friends, family, and all who knew them. The entire Pensacola community was forever changed that day following the tragic news. 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. I will never stop working to make sure our bases are safe and this never happens again. I want to thank my colleagues for standing in solidarity and remembering and honoring the lives that were taken far too soon on that tragic day five years ago," said Senator Scott.

"Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson is a hero who showed incredible courage in the face of terrorism on Dec. 6, 2019. His bravery and quick action saved countless lives on a tragic day for our nation. Ensign Watson’s sacrifice showcases the very best of American patriotism, and Alabama is proud to call him one of ours. It’s an honor to help introduce this resolution every year to help keep his memory alive. Today, we remember him, and pray for his loved ones who still grieve his loss," said Senator Tuberville.