Mark Mayo was a 24 year old Petty Officeer 2nd Class (which is a NCO rank in the Navy).
This individual had a contractors pass onto the base for delivery. He drove that night onto the base with the cab only of his truck and was allowed on...though there was no appoimntment for him to pick-up or deliver.
he parked the truch, got around a second check point, and then boldoy walked up the gang way onto the ship where he was confronted by a Petty Officer there on watch. This was a femal who questioned him. He began struggling with ther.
Mayo saw the struggle and immediately rushed to the aid of his crew mate. As he got there, the perp had just taken the gun from the woman and Petty Officer, 2nd Class Mark Mayo shoved the girl to the deck and took the bullets apparently intended for her.
I have been on base at Norfolk and all along the ship line there. it is a huge sprawling base and there could easily be two or three dozen large ships docked at any one time. From nuclear powered aircraft carriers to cruisers, destroyers, large Amphibious Assault ships, frigates, nuclear submarines, and support vessels.
The Mahen is a guided missile destroyer. An Arleigh Burke class AEGIS destroyer.
That watch did their duty, and this young man was a hero. God rest his soul, and may God bless his family, friends, and loved ones with comfort and peace..
