ARLINGTON -- Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Mark A. Mayo, who gave his life to save a fellow sailor during a shooting on USS Mahan, was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery Friday.
Mayo was killed March 24 when he confronted a man who'd disarmed another sailor on USS Mahan's quarterdeck around 11:20 p.m.
During Friday's service, Mayo was posthumously awarded one of the Navy's highest honors -- the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. Adm. Mark Ferguson, the Navy's No. 2 officer, presented the award to Mayo's family prior to the burial.
A tweet from Naval Station Norfolk Friday morning said, 'MA2 Mark A. Mayo is being laid to rest today at Arlington National Cemetery. In honor of his service and sacrifice, the flag will be flown at half-mast from 1300 to 1500.'
'Petty Officer Mayo's actions on Monday evening were nothing less than heroic. He selflessly gave his own life to ensure the safety of the Sailors on board USS Mahan (DDG 72),' said Capt. Robert E. Clark, Jr., commanding officer, Naval Station Norfolk.
The Navy continues to investigate the events of the incident. The Navy says Jeffrey Savage of Portsmouth was preparing to shoot the petty officer of the watch and that's when Mayo shielded her.
Savage was killed by another security force member.
The Navy continues to investigate how Savage was able to access the ship docked at Pier 1 at Naval Station Norfolk
Mayo was assigned to Naval Security Forces, Naval Station Norfolk. A Hagerstown, Md. native, Mayo enlisted in the Navy in October 2007 and reported to Naval Station Norfolk in May 2011.
13News Now Military reporter Mike Gooding was at the service. Watch for his report beginning on 13News at 5.
The Navy and Marine Corps Medal citation, signed by Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, chief of naval operations, reads as follows:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the
NAVY AND MARINE CORPS MEDAL posthumously to
MASTER-AT-ARMS SECOND CLASS MARK A. MAYO
UNITED STATES NAVY
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For heroism while serving at Naval Station Norfolk Security Detachment, Norfolk, Virginia on 24 March 2014. While performing his duties as Chief of the Guard, Petty Officer Mayo was alerted to a suspicious individual walking towards USS MAHAN (DDG 72) on Pier 1, Naval Station Norfolk. Petty Officer Mayo pursued the individual up the brow of the ship while both he and the Quarterdeck watch-standers directed the individual to stop and provide identification. Failing to comply, the individual approached the Quarterdeck, attacked and disarmed the Petty Officer of the Watch. After boarding the ship, Petty Officer Mayo realized that the Petty Officer of the Watch no longer had control of her weapon. With complete and total disregard for his own personal safety, Petty Officer Mayo immediately placed himself between the Petty Officer of the Watch and the assailant. While fearlessly engaging the assailant and shielding the Petty Officer of the Watch, Petty Officer Mayo was fatally wounded. His exceptionally brave actions saved the lives of four watch-standers and ensured the safety of the entire crew of USS MAHAN (DDG 72). By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, Petty Officer Mayo prevented the loss of lives, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
For the President,
JONATHAN W. GREENERT
Admiral, United States Navy
