502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
10/3/2014 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- A memorial unveiling ceremony for Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Mark Mayo was held at the Naval Technical Training Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Oct. 2.
On March 24, at the age of 24, Mayo paid the "ultimate price" while standing chief of the guard at Naval Station Norfolk, Va. On board the USS Mahan (DDG-72), Mayo put himself between an unauthorized intruder and the petty officer of the watch; saving lives and preserving the safety of the ship.
The NTTC is a U.S. Navy command at JBSA-Lackland, with leadership at the Center for Security Forces in Norfolk , Va. and the Naval Education and Training Command in Pensacola, Fla. Mayo was a Master-At-Arms who received his initial training at NTTC in the same classrooms and facilities used by Sailors today.
"It is tradition here, at NTTC Lackland, that we memorialize those masters-at-arms who paid the ultimate price for freedom in defense of America," said Cmdr. Bart Fabacher, commander of NTTC Lackland. "All students learning to be Master-At-Arms need to understand Mayo's legacy because he was ready."
According to Fabacher, Mayo's courageous act encapsulates the persona and skills taught to the Sailors at NTTC Lackland.
"He took the skill set we teach everyday and put it to use protecting his fellow Sailors from the dangers of someone coming aboard a warship, armed and attempting to wreak havoc," explained Fabacher. "Mark Mayo went back to the fundamentals, took action, and went into harm's way preventing the potential large scale loss of life aboard one of our warships. His sacrifice will not be forgotten."
Those that had the opportunity to work with and build a friendship with Mayo knew of his work ethic and positive attitude.
"He had the ability to keep everyone motivated and in high spirits," said Lt. Cmdr. Michael Weaver, executive commander of NTTC Lackland. "Mayo performed well under stress, while doing a job way above his pay grade. I could rely on him."
A colleague and friend, Master-at-Arms 1st Class Justin Treml, NTTC instructor, expressed his condolences to Mayo's family members present at the ceremony.
"Mark's life was not taken," said Treml. "He made the decision to sacrifice his life for the safety of his shipmates, for the ship and his country."
As the memorial plaque was unveiled, it is explained that it symbolizes Mayo standing the watch.
"No student will graduate Master-at-Arms school without knowing Mayo's legacy," said Fabacher. "He will never be forgotten."
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