Sailor injured in vehicle collision at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island

A sailor standing guard at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island was seriously injured on Saturday afternoon when a vehicle struck her at the Maui Gate to the Seaplane Base in Oak Harbor.

The sailor, identified as Natalie Buckland, sustained multiple serious injuries, including fractures to her femur, right arm, mandible, and orbit. Following the collision, she was airlifted to a Seattle-area hospital for surgery. Her mother, Sandra Louise Bond, reported that while the recovery will be significant, the sailor is currently stable.

The collision also caused damage to the Maui Gate. The Navy has stated that the gate will remain closed indefinitely for repairs, and drivers are advised to use the Torpedo Gate to access the Seaplane Base. The Navy is currently investigating the circumstances of the incident.