A sailor stationed at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia was found dead on Friday inside a command building. The deceased has been identified as Fire Controlman 1st Class Alonzo Tablet Martin Jr., who served as an instructor at the Surface Combat Systems Training Command Detachment Middle Atlantic, as confirmed by Cmdr. Laura K. Stegherr, spokesperson for the Naval Education and Training Command.
In a statement, Cmdr. Stegherr expressed the Navy’s condolences, saying, “The Navy mourns the loss of our shipmate and sends condolences to FCA1 Martin’s family, friends, and fellow sailors during this difficult time.”
Born in Missouri, Martin enlisted in the Navy on January 28, 2015. He served aboard the USS Barry from February 10, 2020, until March 25, 2023, after completing his training at the AEGIS Training and Readiness Center in Dahlgren, Virginia. Following his tenure on the USS Barry, he was stationed at the U.S. Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System in Romania, as well as at Detachment Dam Neck in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Martin’s service earned him several awards, including the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist badge, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. His qualifications also included Pistol Marksman designation.
The circumstances surrounding Martin’s death are currently under investigation by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). The Navy is cooperating fully with the investigation to determine the details leading to this tragic event.
As the investigation unfolds, the Navy community is coming together to support Martin’s family and fellow sailors, reflecting on the profound impact his service had during his time in the military.
