WASHINGTON (NNS) — Multiple shots were fired at the Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) in Chattanooga, Tennessee at approximately 11 a.m. EST Thursday.<\/p>\n
Four U.S. Marines were killed and one Sailor was injured. The names of those killed will not be released until primary next of kin notification is complete.<\/p>\n
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus expressed condolences over the death of the four Marines.<\/p>\n
“Today, the Navy and Marine Corps team collectively mourns the loss of four heroes,” said Mabus. “The tragedy in Chattanooga is both devastating and senseless.”<\/p>\n
The NOSC, often referred to as a “reserve center,” is used by both Navy and Marine Corps personnel to provide training and readiness support for reserve components in order to support the needs of the services. The Navy currently maintains 123 NOSCs across the United States and its territories.<\/p>\n
Mabus called the tragedy “both devastating and senseless.”<\/p>\n
He said, “While we expect our Sailors and Marines to go into harm’s way, and they do so without hesitation, an attack at home, in our community, is insidious and unfathomable. As the investigation unfolds, our priority will be to take care of the families of those affected.”<\/p>\n
The Navy will continue to work with local and federal law enforcement officials.<\/p>\n