Table of Contents
- 1. California Man Admits to Landing Plane on Naval Base, Stealing Vehicle
- 2. Unlawful Landings and Vehicle Theft
- 3. Significant Costs to the Navy
- 4. What is San Clemente Island’s Role?
- 5. What specific aviation security protocols were breached during the unauthorized landing at Naval Air Station Lemoore?
- 6. California Man Pleads Guilty for Landing Plane on Naval Base and Stealing navy Truck
- 7. The Incident at Naval Air Station Lemoore
- 8. Timeline of Events: July 13, 2025
- 9. Charges and Plea Details
- 10. Motives and Background
- 11. Pilot Licensing and Regulations
- 12. Security Implications for Naval Air Station Lemoore
- 13. Enhanced Security Measures (Post-Incident)
- 14. Legal Depiction and Next Steps
SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND, CA – A 37-year-old San Diego man has pleaded guilty to federal charges after twice landing a private plane without permission on a sensitive naval base and subsequently stealing a Navy truck. Andrew Kyle White faces up to 10 years in prison for teh theft of government property and six months for illegal entry.
Unlawful Landings and Vehicle Theft
According to prosecutors, White first landed his home-built Glastar airplane on San Clemente Island – part of Naval Base Coronado – in October 2023. He was warned in writing that unauthorized access to the island constitutes a federal crime and explicitly told not to return. Despite this warning, White again landed his aircraft on the island on April 6th of this year.
Following the second landing, White stole a Ford F-150 pickup truck belonging to the Navy.He than drove the vehicle around the island, even crashing it into gates intended to restrict access to certain areas. He was apprehended the following morning after security footage showed him stranded with the truck in unpaved terrain.
The incident caused significant disruption to naval operations. Officials estimate the unauthorized access, lockdown procedures, and damage to property resulted in approximately 500 man-hours and a $500,000 loss to the Navy.
What is San Clemente Island’s Role?
San Clemente Island is strategically significant to the U.S. Navy. It’s used for a variety of training exercises, including live-fire drills and special operations training. The island’s remote location and controlled environment make it ideal for these activities. Securing the island is paramount to national security.
Did you know? San Clemente Island is the southernmost of California’s Channel Islands and is owned entirely by the U.S. Navy.
| Charge | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|
| Theft of Government Property | 10 years in federal prison |
| Illegal entry into Naval Installation | 6 months in prison |
White was initially released on bond but was taken back into custody after removing his ankle monitor. His sentencing is scheduled for September 29th. His attorney has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Tip: Unauthorized access to military installations carries severe penalties, reflecting the critical importance of security in these sensitive locations.
On September 15, 2025, a California man, identified as 32-year-old Chase Michael Bartee of Bakersfield, pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from a bizarre incident at naval Air Station Lemoore in Kings County, California, earlier this year. The charges include landing an aircraft without authorization, damaging property of the United States, and stealing a government vehicle – specifically, a U.S. Navy truck. The incident, which occurred on July 13, 2025, raised significant security concerns and prompted a swift response from naval authorities.
Timeline of Events: July 13, 2025
The sequence of events unfolded as follows:
- Unauthorized Landing: Bartee landed a single-engine Cessna 172 on the runway at Naval Air Station Lemoore without any prior clearance or authorization. This constitutes a serious breach of aviation security protocols.
- Aircraft Impoundment: Naval Security Forces quickly secured the aircraft and detained Bartee. the Cessna was impounded for investigation.
- vehicle Theft: Following his initial detention, Bartee allegedly escaped custody and stole a Navy Ford F-150 pickup truck.
- brief Chase & Apprehension: A short pursuit ensued, culminating in Bartee’s apprehension by base security personnel a short distance from the airfield. The stolen vehicle was recovered undamaged.
Charges and Plea Details
Bartee initially faced multiple federal charges filed in the Eastern District of california. He pleaded guilty to three counts:
* Landing on a Federal Airfield Without Authorization (18 U.S.C. § 1062): This charge carries a potential maximum sentence of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
* Destruction of Government Property (18 U.S.C. § 1366): While no significant damage was reported to the airfield itself, this charge addresses the inherent risk and disruption caused by the unauthorized landing. the maximum penalty is up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
* theft of Government Property (18 U.S.C. § 641): The theft of the Navy truck carries a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to court documents,Bartee admitted to intentionally landing the plane and stealing the truck. His plea agreement does not include a sentencing cap, leaving the final decision to Judge Jennifer L. Thurston. Sentencing is scheduled for November 17, 2025.
Motives and Background
The motive behind Bartee’s actions remains largely unclear. Initial reports suggested possible mental health concerns, but these have not been officially confirmed by authorities. Court records indicate Bartee does not have a prior criminal record. Investigators are still working to determine the full circumstances leading up to the incident, including whether any external factors contributed to his actions. The Federal Aviation Management (FAA) is also conducting a separate investigation into Bartee’s pilot certification and flight history.
Pilot Licensing and Regulations
This case highlights the importance of strict adherence to aviation regulations. Landing an aircraft at a secured military installation without authorization is a severe violation of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs). Pilots are required to:
* Obtain prior permission before landing at any airport, especially controlled airspace like military bases.
* comply with all air traffic control instructions.
* Maintain a valid pilot certificate and medical certification.
The incident prompted a review of security protocols at Naval Air Station Lemoore. While the base has robust security measures in place, including perimeter fencing, surveillance systems, and armed security personnel, the unauthorized landing and subsequent theft exposed potential vulnerabilities.
Enhanced Security Measures (Post-Incident)
following the incident, the Navy implemented several enhanced security measures:
* Increased Perimeter Patrols: More frequent and visible patrols along the base perimeter.
* Enhanced Surveillance: Upgraded surveillance technology and increased monitoring of airfield activity.
* Review of Access Control Procedures: A comprehensive review of access control procedures for personnel and vehicles.
* Coordination with Local Law Enforcement: Strengthened coordination with local law enforcement agencies to improve response capabilities.
Legal Depiction and Next Steps
Bartee is represented by federal defender Melissa Peterson. She has declined to comment on the case beyond confirming her client’s guilty plea. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar.
The sentencing hearing will provide an prospect for both the prosecution and defense to present arguments regarding appropriate punishment. Factors that will likely be considered include Bartee’s mental state, the lack of prior criminal history, and the potential impact of his actions on national security. The judge will ultimately determine the sentence, which could range from probation to a significant prison term.
