News

Actions

July 16 marks one year since Chattanooga military center shooting

Posted at 5:29 PM, Jul 15, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-15 17:29:13-04

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Saturday marks one year since the attack on the recruiting station and Naval Operational Support Center in Chattanooga.

Mohammad Abdulazeez first shot up a military recruiting center at a Chattanooga strip mall, then drove to a local Navy operations support center and launched another attack, killing four Marines and a sailor. Abdulazeez died in a gunfight with law enforcement.

FBI special agent in charge Ed Reinhold said the shooter killed one service member inside the Navy support center, went through the building and exited into a gated motor pool area, where he killed four others.

Since the shooting, the Navy has focused on enhancing force protection for off-installation activities and the entire force.

New efforts include arming personnel, force protection enhancements for off-installation facilities, active shooter training, physical improvements and mass warning/notification systems that will enhance security and improve the Navy’s ability to protect personnel.

Now, all 71 off-installation Naval Operation Support Centers have qualified armed men or women standing watch to defend potential attacks. Navy Recruiting Command has developed plans and is in the final process to arm watch standers at recruiting stations as well.

The Navy has also required all Navy personnel, including active duty, reserve, civilians and contractors in the U.S. Northern Command AOR to receive active shooter training within 90 days of reporting for duty. Personnel will have to take an annual refresher on training from then on.

Updates and changes have been made to address anti-terrorism/force protection (AT/FP) issues, including the development of site-specific anti-terrorism plans and incident response plans for Naval Operation Support Center and recruiting stations.

Navy Recruiting Command also assigned designated security officers at each of the Navy’s 26 recruiting districts and two recruiting regions to oversee AT/FP programs and to help develop and implement individual response plans.

All off-installation facilities were also  directed to review and rehearse their emergency action plans with local law enforcement and first responders to respond effectively to potential threats.