In the late hours of March 24, 2014, a tragedy unfolded aboard the USS Mahan, a guided-missile destroyer docked at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, resulting in the death of 24-year-old Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Mark Aaron Mayo. The male sailor, a six-year veteran of the U.S. Navy Security Forces, was fatally shot while protecting a fellow service member from a civilian intruder. The incident began when a truck driver, later identified as 35-year-old Jeffrey Tyrone Savage, gained unauthorized access to the naval base. After being allowed through a gate without proper identification, Savage drove to Pier 1, abandoned his idling truck, and proceeded to board the USS Mahan.
On the ship's quarterdeck, Savage was confronted by the Petty Officer of the Watch. A struggle ensued, during which Savage managed to disarm the officer. Mayo, who was serving as Chief of the Guard, witnessed the altercation from the pier and rushed to assist. Without hesitation, he placed himself between Savage and the unarmed Petty Officer of the Watch just as the assailant was preparing to shoot her. In this heroic act, Mayo was shot and killed. Responding Navy Security Forces personnel immediately returned fire, killing Savage at the scene.
An investigation following the fatal shooting revealed significant security lapses at the naval station. It was determined that civilian police officers at the gate were negligent in their duties, allowing Savage onto the base. The investigation led to disciplinary actions against six individuals, including the commanding officer of Naval Station Norfolk. The suspect, Jeffrey Tyrone Savage, was found to have a prior conviction for voluntary manslaughter and was reportedly under the influence of synthetic marijuana at the time of the incident. He was described by acquaintances as a loner who was experiencing financial stress and delusions. For his extraordinary bravery and selfless sacrifice, Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Mark Aaron Mayo was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, one of the Navy's highest honors for heroism outside of combat. He was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
