Russia said it withdrew its forces from the island as a “goodwill gesture.” Ukraine said the Russians fled following a barrage of artillery and missiles.
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro said the punishment stemmed from the five officers’ “inadequate leadership and execution of their oversight duties."
The Ukrainian Navy confirmed Sunday that the 13 border guards were alive, despite initial reporting the group had heroically made the ultimate sacrifice.
The main entrance to Naval Air Station North Island near San Diego was closed after a driver was found with bomb-making materials, a military spokesman said.