ENTERPRISE, Ala (WDHN) — This week, a resolution was introduced to the U.S. Senate recognizing the fourth anniversary of a terrorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola that took the life of a 23-year-old Enterprise Native.
Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson, along with Petty Officer Third Class Cameron Scott Walters of Richmond Hill, Georgia, and Petty Officer Third Class Mohammed Sameh Haitham of St. Petersburg, Florida, were killed when Mohammed Alshamrani, a Saudi Arabian pilot, opened fire on the base on December 6, 2019.
Despite taking multiple hits, Watson helped direct the first response team to Alshamrani’s location during the attack.
Ensign Watson embodied the spirit of American heroism, standing tall in the face of terrorism to save others — even at the expense of his own life.
Past WDHN reports state Alshamrani was a foreign military student with connections to Al Qaeda.
An Enterprise High School graduate and former member of the EHS Rifle Team, Ensign Watson was known for his desire to serve his country post-graduation.
Following his death, Ensign Watson’s body was transported back to the Wiregrass, where it was met with a long procession through Midland City, Pinckard, Newton, Daleville, and then his hometown, Enterprise. The streets were lined with citizens holding American flags, military personnel, and retired military.
His courage and quick action saved countless lives on a tragic day for our nation. Today, we pray for his family, friends, and fellow soldiers who still grieve the absence of a life taken too soon. We will continue to share Joshua Kaleb Watson’sstory of patriotism, service, and sacrifice, to ensure his memory lives on forever.
Flags were placed in front of Newton Elementary and Newton Hero’s Park, and the town hall was closed on the day Ensign Watson returned home.
Ensign Watson, Petty Officer Third Class Haitham, and Petty Officer Third Class Walters received the Purple Heart a year after their deaths.
