Lt. John O. Wilson joined law enforcement partners in Key West to conduct a maritime sweep of the restricted waters off Naval Air Station Key West (NASKW).
After assuming duties in August 2018, Wilson successfully stood up the long-awaited Magistrate Program in Key West. Wilsons' efforts built on seven years of hard work and dedication from the three previous staff judge advocates who preceded him. This program allows Naval Security Forces to issue Federal Citations (1805s) to civilians who trespass onto Naval property, or into Federal waters. Many of these waters are designated as restricted zones due to their proximity to explosive storage areas on base.
The enforcement operation was conducted in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Key West Police Department and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Wilson provided the legal brief to all ticketing agents, assisted in the coordination of the operation, and fielded civilian questions regarding the citations. In total, the operation issued 37 citations.
"Aiding enforcement operations is the best part of my duty!" says Wilson. "Providing hands-on legal guidance is why I joined the JAG Corps. It's more than just the military law or writing complex legal opinions - it's the real world, on the water action that makes this duty so exciting."