WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott announced the passage of his resolution ahead of the fifth anniversary recognizing the terrorist attack at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, when a Saudi military trainee killed three U.S. Navy sailors and wounded several others on December 6th, 2019. Senators Marco Rubio, Katie Britt, Tommy Tuberville, Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock co-sponsored the resolution.

In 2020, Senator Rick Scott fought to include the Secure U.S. Bases Act in the National Defense Authorization Act to reform and improve foreign military student training programs following the terrorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola. This important law requires a thorough vetting process before a foreign student enters the U.S., requires foreign students to follow rules established by U.S. Base Commanders and vastly improves the security of our military installations, service members, their families and the surrounding communities.

Senator Rick Scott said, “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.”

Senator Tommy Tuberville said, “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.”

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