US 5th Fleet commander found dead in Bahrain residence

US Navy Vice Adm. Scott A. Stearney, US Naval Forces Central Command / US 5th Fleet commander, was found in his Bahrain residence, the US Navy has informed.

US Navy file photo of Vice Adm. Scott Stearney

In a statement on Saturday, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson said that Vice Adm. Scott Stearney, was found deceased on Saturday.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Bahraini Ministry of Interior are cooperating on the investigation, but the navy said it was not suspecting foul play.

“Scott Stearney was a decorated naval warrior. He was a devoted husband and father, and he was a good friend to all of us,” Adm. Richardson said.

Rear Adm. Paul Schlise, the deputy commander of 5th Fleet, has assumed command and is maintaining continuity in our responsibilities and posture in the US 5th Fleet.