‘Devastating’: Naval commander found dead in apparent suicide

President Donald Trump has been notified of a tragedy that plagued the U.S. Navy over the weekend.

Vice Adm. Scott Stearney, who was the commander of the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet in Bahrain and who oversaw U.S. naval operations in the Middle East, was found dead in his residence in Bahrain on Saturday in what officials have said is an “apparent suicide.” He was 58.

“Decorated naval warrior”

In a video statement, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson called the tragedy “devastating” and remembered Stearney as a “decorated naval warrior” and “devoted husband and father.”

“I ask that you keep the Stearney family in your prayers and respect their privacy as they navigate through these very difficult times,” Richardson said. “We will keep you informed as we learn more.”

Richardson went on to say that the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Bahraini Ministry of Interior are cooperating on an investigation into Stearney’s death, “but at this time,” he said, “no foul play is suspected.”

“Rear Adm. Paul Schlise, the deputy commander of 5th Fleet, has assumed command and is maintaining continuity in our responsibilities and posture in the U.S. 5th Fleet,” Richardson added.

“Devoted husband and father”

According to his biography on the U.S. Navy’s website, Stearney grew up in Chicago, and after graduating from the University of Notre Dame in 1982, he joined the Navy in what would end up being a 36-year career. Two years later, in 1984, Stearney became a Navy aviator, flying an FA-18 Hornet in strike fighter squadrons.

He went on to serve in Kabul, Afghanistan, first as the chief of staff for Joint Task Force 435 and then in the Combined Joint Interagency Taskforce 435. During that period, he taught at the Navy Fighter Weapons School.

“His flag assignments include commander, U.S. Transportation Command’s Joint Enabling Capabilities Command, commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic, commander, Carrier Strike Group 4, commander, Navy Warfare Development Command, and director of operations, U.S. Central Command,” his biography reads.

Stearney took over as the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and the Combined Maritime Forces in May of this year. Under his command were more than 20,000 Navy sailors, Marines, Coastguardsmen, and civilians, both from the United States and from coalition countries.

Stearney will be missed by all, but his sacrifice for this country will not be forgotten.