Navy Vice Admiral From Chicago Found Dead In Middle East

NILES, IL — Questions remain in the death of U.S. Vice Admiral Scott Stearney, a Chicago native and Notre Dame College Prep graduate whose body was recently found in the Middle East island country of Bahrain. According to WLS, the United States Navy's Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and police in Bahrain are investigating 58-year-old Stearney's death, and investigators familiar with the situation believe he "took his own life."

However, Naval Chief of Operations Admiral John Richardson said there was no indication of foul play, WLS reported, adding that details haven't been provided by officials, including where or when his body was found and the cause of death.

Stearney was most recently named commander of the famous U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet, Combined Maritime Forces in May, according to his United States Navy biography.

Admiral John Richardson, the 31st Chief of Naval Operation, announced Stearney's death on Dec. 1.

"Team, it's my sad duty to inform you that today the Secretary of the Navy and I were informed that Vice Adm. Scott Stearney, our commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and commander of U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, was found deceased in his residence in Bahrain today," Richardson said. "Scott Stearney was a decorated Naval warrior. He was a devoted husband and father, and he was a good friend to all."

Stearney graduated from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics before commissioning in the U.S. Navy in October 1982.

Officials at Stearney's high school released a statement, according to WLS.

"We at Notre Dame College Prep are saddened to hear of the passing of Vice Admiral Scott A. Stearney, a 1978 graduate" school officials said. "We extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to the Stearney family, as well as Scott's U.S. Navy family and friends. His name will remain, with the utmost respect, on our Military Wall forever."

According to his U.S. Navy bio, Stearney accumulated "more than 4,500 mishap free flight hours and over 1,000 carrier-arrested landings," and is entitled to wear the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Air Medal, in addition to other awards and commendations.

More: navy.mil

Photo credit: U.S. Navy