Lapse of Security at Gate of Naval Base Causes Death

Lapse of Security at Gate of Naval Base Causes Death

  • By Ginger Hill
  • Mar 18, 2015

A civilian police officer was standing guard at the gate to the world’s largest naval base, when a man pulled up in his truck. The man wasn’t required to produce his identification or give any reason why he was there as the police officer thought the man was going to make a U-turn. Instead, the man drove his truck straight onto the base, eventually parking it, motor running, near a pier where the USS Mahan and a hospital ship were docked. As soon as the man breached gate security, I would assume the police officer would notify security; however, neither pier security nor security on the ships was notified.

This all took place in 2014, but the Navy is just now completing their investigation of this incident. Identifying the driver of the truck as Jeffrey Tyrone Savage, investigators have reported that he had no legitimate reason to be on base, and even though the investigation is complete, Savage’s motive is still unknown.

At the time, the USS Mahan was undergoing maintenance, so it wasn’t uncommon to see a civilian on the pier. This enabled Savage to simply walk through a pedestrian gate onto the pier without being questioned. Ship security just assumed Savage to be a nonthreatening, intoxicated civilian mariner or worker with authorization to be on base.

Meanwhile, the civilian police officer at the gate, continued with his shift, actually checking identification for the next several vehicles that drove through the gate. It took 9 minutes for the police officer to go looking for Savage, in which he eventually found his abandoned truck. Still, the officer did not notify dispatch and returned to the gate that he was manning.

Savage wandered around on the pier, looking through several tool boxes, before he boarded the USS Mahan in a nonthreatening manner, saying that he “just wanted to talk.” He ignored several calls from military personnel to produce his identification, so a sailor drew her gun. Savage wrestled the weapon from the sailor, which was not secured by a lanyard as required. And, the sailor didn’t shoot Savage because she was unable to disengage the safety lock on the weapon.

Responding to the commotion, Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark Mayo ran onto the ship and jumped between Savage and the other sailor to protect her. Mayo was shot several times by Savage before Savage was shot and killed by Navy security.

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • Ransomware Attacks Rise for the First Time in Six Months

    Ransomware attacks have risen for the first time in six months, increasing by 28% month-on-month to 421 attacks. While overall attack volume remained below 500, the uptick may signal a renewed escalation heading into the year’s most active period for cyber criminals. Read Now

  • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

    Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

    • Guard Services

  • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

    Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

  • Eagle Eye Networks Launches AI Camera Gun Detection

    Eagle Eye Networks, a provider of cloud video surveillance, recently introduced Eagle Eye Gun Detection, a new layer of protection for schools and businesses that works with existing security cameras and infrastructure. Eagle Eye Networks is the first to build gun detection into its platform. Read Now

  • Report: AI is Supercharging Old-School Cybercriminal Tactics

    AI isn’t just transforming how we work. It’s reshaping how cybercriminals attack, with threat actors exploiting AI to mass produce malicious code loaders, steal browser credentials and accelerate cloud attacks, according to a new report from Elastic. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.