by Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson was a 2019 US Naval Academy graduate. He reported to Pensacola NAS on November 15th. He was serving as the Officer of the Deck when the Saudi jihadist opened fire on Friday. Watson, though shot five times, dragged himself out of the building, flagged down first responders, and informed them who and where the jihadist was located. By his actions, he saved multiple lives.
Watson served as captain of the USNA Rifle Team. While captain, the Navy team beat Army’s rifle team for the first time in a decade. He had a 4-year average of 580.6 (out of 600 possible) while competing in both smallbore and air rifle. He also competed in the NCAA Rifle Championships.
His father Benjamin said this about his son and his actions.
“His mission was to confront evil,” he said. “To bring the fight to them, wherever it took him. He was willing to risk his life for his country. We never thought he would die in Florida.”