Intruder shot and killed while trying to enter Navy SEAL training compound in Alaska

On Saturday, June 13, an intruder was shot and killed after entering the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Detachment Kodiak’s compound in Alaska. The reports are preliminary and detailed information is murky at best.

Jason Vinburg, age 30, was mortally wounded during the incident. He illegally gained access to the compound and attempted to enter a building. According to Alaska State Troopers, Vinburg was tapping on the windows of the guard building with a knife. It can be assumed that this building is where the guard/watchstander on duty was located.

The watchstander addressed Vinburg and requested that he leave immediately. After doing so, the guard went to verify that Vinburg had left. At that point, Vinburg was still on the compound. When the guard addressed Vinburg a second time, Vinburg began walking towards the guard, while brandishing his knife. Vinburg continued to walk towards the guard after he had been repeatedly ordered to stop. It was then that the guard was required to take defensive action, shooting Vinburg. When medics arrived, he was declared dead.

Jeff Houston, a Navy Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) spokesman, reported that the service member serving on guard duty that night is doing well and is receiving full support from his command and Naval Special Warfare. NCIS is spearheading the investigation, with the support of Alaska State Troopers and the Coast Guard Investigative Service.

The identity of the guard on duty will not be released until the conclusion of the investigation.

When Naval Special Warfare units travel and train, they almost always have weapons, controlled radios and crypto, and classified material. This equipment and material require 24/7 watchstanders.

The same situation exists at Naval Special Warfare Detachment Kodiak. Historically, the NSW compound is not guarded by Military Police or security guards. The individuals that stand guard at the NSW compound are most likely SQT students, SEAL or SWCC instructors, or support personnel. Thus, with a certain amount of confidence, it can be assumed that it was a member of the NSW community that had to bring down the assailant, defending himself and the compound.

It is standard for those that are on watch to be armed with a security weapon, usually a sidearm.

Detachment Kodiak is utilized for maritime and forest tactical training and cold weather training purposes. SEAL candidates go to Detachment Kodiak for about a month during the SEAL Qualification Training (SQT) phase, which takes place after BUD/S.