News Summary
A 37-year-old man from San Diego, Andrew Kyle White, has pleaded guilty to charges of illegally landing on a Navy airstrip and stealing a government truck on San Clemente Island. White’s actions, which included a second unauthorized landing and reckless driving, resulted in significant damage and a costly search operation. He faces up to 10.5 years in prison, with a sentencing hearing set for September 2025. This case highlights the strict regulations governing access to military installations and the importance of compliance to ensure security.
San Diego Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Landing Plane and Stealing Navy Truck on San Clemente Island
Andrew Kyle White, a 37-year-old man from San Diego, has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to unauthorized landings on a Navy airstrip and the theft of a government vehicle. The incidents occurred on San Clemente Island, a site owned and operated by the Navy as part of Naval Base Coronado.
White has admitted guilt to one felony count of theft of government property exceeding $1,000, as well as one misdemeanor count of illegal entry into a naval installation. He has been in federal custody since he removed his ankle monitoring bracelet earlier this year, which was intended to keep him under surveillance.
The situation began when White made his first unauthorized landing on San Clemente Island on October 29, 2023. Following this initial act, he signed a formal acknowledgment stating that he was aware entering the island without permission was a federal crime. However, in April 2025, White landed on the island a second time, despite previously receiving warnings of the illegal nature of his actions.
During his second visit, White stole a Navy-owned white Ford F-150 truck, which is valued at nearly $16,000. After taking the vehicle, he drove it through various locations on the island, demonstrating reckless disregard for property and safety as he rammed the truck through locked gates, resulting in damages exceeding $8,000.
The consequences of White’s actions extended beyond mere theft and damage. The Navy estimated that the intrusion and subsequent search operation that ensued cost taxpayers approximately $500,000. Military personnel were placed on lockdown, and a search was undertaken to locate White, due to concerns that his presence could represent a potential security threat.
Legal Proceedings and Possible Sentencing
White’s legal situation is now in the hands of the court, with U.S. District Judge Otis D. Wright II scheduling a sentencing hearing for September 29, 2025. White faces a maximum penalty of up to 10.5 years in federal prison for his actions, highlighting the serious nature of his offenses against both government property and regulations concerning restricted military installations.
Background on San Clemente Island
San Clemente Island, situated off the coast of Southern California, serves as a vital training area for the U.S. Navy. Due to its military significance, access to the island is strictly controlled, and any unauthorized entry is treated as a serious offense. The control measures are in place not only to protect military assets but also to maintain the safety and security of military operations conducted in the area.
White’s case serves as a reminder of the legal ramifications faced by individuals who attempt to circumvent security protocols in sensitive areas. The penalties associated with such actions reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of military installations and the resources they manage.
As sentencing approaches, the repercussions of White’s actions will be closely monitored, both for their impact on military security and their implications for future compliance with regulations surrounding government property and military installations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Diego Man Pleads Guilty to Navy Airstrip Intrusions
Miramar College Launches Bachelor’s Program for Public Safety
Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego
- Wikipedia: San Clemente Island
- CBS News Los Angeles
- Google Search: San Clemente Island navy base
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Navy
- Gold Rush Cam
- Google News: San Clemente Island incidents
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
