Official websites use .mil
Secure .mil websites use HTTPS
This story was updated April 8 at 4:24 p.m. with the following information:
Navy identifies Sailor responsible for shooting at NAS Oceana
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (NRMA) – The Navy today identified the Sailor responsible for the April 5 shooting incident on Naval Air Station Oceana in the parking lot of Strike Fighter Squadron 37 (VFA-37).
The Sailor is Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Christopher J. Ruffier, 26, a native of Ohio who was assigned to VFA-37.
Ruffier was shot and killed by a Navy police officer after he shot a female Sailor in the parking lot outside of Hangar 145 on-base and engaged with Navy Security Force personnel. The victim was also assigned to VFA-37.
The victim was transported to Virginia Beach General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. She remains at the hospital in stable condition. To protect her privacy, her name will not be released.
Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) continues its investigation into the incident. Navy Region Mid-Atlantic will also convene a Manual of the Judge Advocate General (JAGMAN) investigation into the incident.
---
This story was updated April 5 at 12:22 p.m. with the following information:
At approximately 6:45 a.m. on April 5, an isolated domestic shooting incident occurred on Naval Air Station Oceana (NASO) in the parking lot of Strike Fighter Squadron 37 (VFA-37), outside of Hangar 145.
The incident was resolved by 6:50 a.m. Less than an hour later, the lockdown on-base was lifted and normal operations resumed.
"The shooter, a male Sailor assigned to VFA-37, was quickly identified, and shot and killed by my security personnel," said Capt. Chad Vincelette, commanding officer, NASO. "The shooter was armed with a single hand gun and was not carrying additional weapons or ammunition. The City of Virginia Beach police and fire department, along with Virginia Beach Department of Emergency Medical Services, responded to assist."
The victim, a female also assigned to VFA-37, was transported to Virginia Beach General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The names of the Sailors are not being identified at the current time pending notification of next-of-kin.
"I would like to thank the responding city agencies of Virginia Beach, and my team, for resolving the situation quickly and professionally," he said. "The base has a strict no weapons policy and we regularly conduct random and periodic inspections for prohibited items. Details regarding the specific incident will be a part of the ongoing investigation. "
This incident is currently under investigation by Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
Below is the original story that was posted April 5 at 10:08 a.m:
At approximately 6:45 a.m. on April 5, an isolated domestic shooting incident occurred on Naval Air Station Oceana (NASO) in the parking lot of Strike Fighter Squadron 37 (VFA-37), Hangar 145.
NASO base security responded to the incident. The shooter, a male Sailor, was shot and killed by NASO base security on-scene. One victim, a female Sailor, has been transported to Virginia Beach General Hospital with multiple non-life threatening gunshot wounds.
The base lockdown was lifted at 7:40 a.m. and base normal operations have resumed.
This incident is currently under investigation.
Updates on sailors from around the Fleet
Events or announcements of note for the media
Official Navy statements
Given by Navy leadership
HASC, SASC and Congressional testimony
Google Translation Disclaimer