TRIBUTES have been paid to an American naval commander found dead at his home in Bahrain on Saturday.
Hundreds of people attended a memorial service in Bahrain for Vice Admiral Scott Stearney, who was in charge of the US Fifth Fleet – making him the highest ranking American naval officer in the region.
His younger brother, Brian, delivered a eulogy during the service at Fifth Fleet headquarters, in Juffair, attended by more than 500 people on Wednesday.
US media have reported that Vice Admiral Stearney committed suicide, but the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear.
“My brother thoroughly enjoyed what he did,” said Mr Stearney yesterday during the service.
“He embraced the philosophy of teamwork and commitment to mission.
“The how and why are not important to us because he will always be our hero.
“Your family loves you, I love you and God bless you.”
In a statement yesterday the US Navy stated that an investigation was still underway into the death of Vice Admiral Stearney, who assumed his post in Bahrain in May.
It included comments by America’s second most senior naval officer, Vice Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Bill Moran, who travelled to Bahrain in the wake of the incident.
He described the deceased as “an American sailor who earned a special place in the hearts of so many he served with”.
“His love for his family was endless and while we cannot absorb or even comprehend the pain, we will wrap our arms around them and hold them close because we are a navy family,” he added.
“We will not leave their side.”
US Naval Operations Chief Admiral John Richardson previously ruled out foul play and said the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and Bahrain’s Interior Ministry were co-operating on the investigation.
Admiral Moran’s visit was designed to reassure US allies in the region that it remained committed to ensuring stability, freedom of navigation and security.
The Fifth Fleet covers 20 countries and includes three critical choke points – the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab Al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.
Vice Admiral Stearney’s deputy, Rear Admiral Paul Schlise, has assumed command of the Fifth Fleet.
l Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa received US Ambassador Justin Siberell and offered condolences on the death of Vice Admiral Stearney. He extended condolences to Vice Admiral Stearney’s family, praising his dedicated efforts to enhance bilateral relations.
sandy@gdn.com.bh
&uuid=(email))