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JBSA News
NEWS | July 25, 2018

NIOC Texas Sailor stops mugging during off-duty hours

By Navy Information Operations Command Texas Public Affairs Navy Information Operations Command Texas Public Affairs

Petty Officer 3rd Class Shelton Carter, a cryptologic technician assigned to Navy Information Operations Command Texas at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, was recognized by the city of San Antonio for stopping an attempted robbery in a local Walmart parking lot June 9.

Carter, who had been shopping at the store during his off-duty hours, heard cries for help and saw a young man trying to take an elderly woman's purse by force. Carter intervened and used force to stop the man but was then attacked by multiple other assailants. After a few moments, other bystanders intervened and were able to disperse the gang of attackers.

Carter then called his chain of command to inform them of the incident.

Chief Petty Officer Joseph Yglesias, Carter's leading chief petty officer, first ensured that Carter was safe and not in need of medical attention. He then contacted San Antonio City Councilman Rey Saldaña, whose district encompasses Joint Base San Antonio Lackland.

"Petty Officer Carter's actions were the perfect example of a Sailor exhibiting the Navy core values of honor, courage and commitment even when they're off duty," Yglesias said. "The integrity and bravery he showed to stand up for his fellow citizen is what we in the Navy encourage all of our personnel to embody. I also want to thank Mayor Ron Nirenberg, Councilman Saldaña and the San Antonio Police Department for their tremendous gesture of gratitude to Carter."

On June 21, Carter and his chain of command were invited to the San Antonio City Council Chambers where he met with the San Antonio Police Chief William McManus, Councilman Saldaña, and Mayor Nirenberg. Carter received a certificate of appreciation from Nirenberg and was recognized at the city council's next meeting.

Carter thanked the mayor, chief of police and city council for the certificate and dedicated his award to his father, an Air Force lieutenant colonel, who is currently deployed in Afghanistan.

NIOC Texas conducts information operations and provides cryptologic and related capability to the fleet, joint and national commanders, as well as administrative and personnel support to Department of the Navy members assigned to the San Antonio area. NIOC Texas is a subordinate command of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command and comprises Task Force 1040 of the U.S. 10th Fleet.