Reservist charged after landing plane at naval station

By Corinne Reilly
The Virginian-Pilot

NORFOLK

A Navy Reserve captain is facing misdemeanor federal charges after landing his personal plane at Norfolk Naval Station’s airfield.

Papers filed in U.S. District Court in Norfolk last week say that on May 16, Daniel C. Cross flew into the airfield “for his personal convenience and to base his personal aircraft at a Navy aviation facility under the guise of official business.”

Base personnel recognized that Cross wasn’t authorized to land before he touched down, said naval station spokeswoman Terri Davis. They directed Cross to a remote part of the airfield, where he was met by security forces, Davis said.

A few hours later, he was issued a federal summons and permitted to take off from the airfield, she said.

“He did not have prior permission,” Davis said, adding that such incidents are rare. “I don’t recall us ever having a problem like this before.”

Cross, 52, lives in the Washington, D.C., area, according to the Navy. His LinkedIn profile says he works in real estate. Navy records show he has 27 years of service and is currently assigned to the Navy Reserve Information Dominance Corps in Norfolk.

Cross did not return phone calls seeking comment.

He faces three counts that together are punishable by up to two years in prison and fines.