Fort Knox Training Ground Becomes Fort Knox Killing Ground - Navy Seal Dies

Navy Seal Special Warfare Operator Third Class Jonathan H. Kaloust died in a training accident at
Fort Knox Wednesday, and seven others of the team were injured as the Humvee he was riding in turned over, according to Navy officials.

The seven members of the Seal team suffered minor injuries, and all were released after being treated.

Fort Knox has been used by the Navy for training exercises since World War II. The 170 square miles it covers includes the Salt River, which runs through the area. Most important from a training perspective is the Salt River, which is used for a variety of live fire exercises using artillery, as well as helicopter and Bradley fighting vehicle training, among other purposes.

The area is so hot it's designated as a danger zone by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with the public not allowed to enter the area.

Kaloust, who was from Massapequa, N.Y., joined the Navy in 2011, and was 23-years-old at the time of his death. The accident remains under investigation.

Civilian Employee Dead in Fort Knox Murder

Murder Scene at Fort Knox

 

An employee at Fort Knox was killed Wednesday at about 5:30 p.m., which resulted in the base
being locked down for an hour. Fort Knox Police received a 911 call close to 5:40, and were reportedly at the scene in minutes.

Investigators from the Army Criminal Investigation Command are on the scene, and CID spokesman Chris Grey said this in the statement: "Special Agents from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command are investigating a personal incident and not a random act of violence."

FBI agents from Louisville were also sent to the scene of the crime.

The victim was shot in a parking lock outside of the Human Resources Command headquarters, and was a worker in human resources. He was transported by ambulance to Ireland Army Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to an Army statement.

A person of interest in the case is a black male about 5-feet, 9-inches tall. He is riding what is thought to be a black Yamaha motorcycle.

The name of the victim won't be released for 24 hours after notification of his family.

Update:

The victim of the murder is Lloyd R. Gibert, a 51-year-old resident of Elizabethtown, according to the Army.

Fort Knox Civilian Workers Get 20 Percent Pay Cut

Approximately 7,000 civilian workers at Fort Knox, Kentucky could have their pay cut by about 20 percent and furloughed a day each week for as many as 22 weeks. This will happen if sequestration occurs, where about 80,000 Federal civilian workers across America will experience being furloughed.

There is no doubt if this does happen that it will impact the region economically, as people will cut back on discretionary spending in response to the situation.

According to officials from the Defense Department, there will be a 30 days' notice given to employees before furloughs begin. The latter part of April is the time it is expected to begin, although that's not 100 percent sure.

The average wage of a civilian worker at Fort Knox is close to $53,000.

Fort Knox Murder/Suicide Claims Lives of Soldier and Wife

Fort Knox experienced its first murder since 1993, as what appears to be a murder/suicide claimed the lives of a Fort Knox Soldier and his wife. There were two children at home at the time of the double shooting, although they weren't physically hurt in the incident.

Early assumptions are it was a domestic dispute which resulted in the deaths, although that remains to be confirmed.

Four military police officers heard gunshots coming from inside of the house as they arrived on the scene. A 911 call had been made from within the home, resulting in the response of the officers, according to authorities.

Upon entering the home, military police found the two victims, one was already dead and the second victim dies not long after the arrival of the police.

The policy is that the names of the victims won't be released until 24 hours after the notification of family.

As for the two children, they are now in custody of the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services.

Update:

The Fort Knox couple who died in the  murder/suicide have been identified as Spc. Christopher and Krista Meeks.