Four night clubs in Fresno, California, are off-limits to Naval Air Station Lemoore sailors after a series of incidents, according to a report from The Fresno Bee newspaper.
In an email posted to the ombudsman Facebook page for Strike Fighter Squadron 122, base commander Capt. Monty Ashliman banned the businesses following an attack on a sailor by a local resident in late September, the Bee reported. Fresno is roughly 40 miles from Lemoore.
Sailors are no longer allowed to visit Ghaleb's Grill and Hookah Lounge, Encore Nightclub, Club Imperio and Kocky's Bar, said Ashliman's message, which has since been removed from the official page of Strike Fighter Squadron 122 ombudsman page.
According to the Bee, a 23-year-old sailor was attacked at Ghaleb's Grill and Hookah Louge on Sept. 27 by a member of the Dog Pound gang. Another sailor retaliated, police Lt. Joe Gomez told the Bee.
"The gang problem versus our sailors will not be won with retaliation," Ashliman's email message stated. "I don't care where you are from, and I don't care how many sailors there are, we will not win this battle. Drop the retaliation, you are compromising the safety and well-being of everyone onboard this installation and our families!"
Ashliman further ordered anyone traveling to Fresno to make sure they don't have Navy markings on their clothes, bags or vehicles.
In an Oct. 8 statement to Navy Times, Ashliman refused to provide his "NAS Lemoore Leadership" message or address the situation.
"For the safety and security of our sailors, their families, and our surrounding community citizens, this needs to rest," he said in an email.
