U.S. Navy Identifies Dead Sailor In Bahrain; Investigation Continues

Manama, Bahrain (AHN) - The U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) in Bahrain identified a female sailor who was found dead at her residence on Sunday as Petty Officer First Class Cherie Morton.

The U.S. Navy said 15-year veteran was the Command Career Counselor for Naval Security Force and NSA Bahrain. She provided career information to hundreds of enlisted sailors assigned to both NSA and Navy Region Southwest Asia.

The sailor was found dead at 9:20 am on Sunday at her residence in Qalali, Muharraq. Initial reports indicated that there were gunshot wounds, but the statement added there was no gun involved in the incident. Navy officials are working with local authorities in the investigation.

Morton, 41 was born in Rockville, Illinois and graduated from West Rockford High School. Morton was twice awarded the Navy Achievement Medal and the Good Conduct Medal on four occasions.

This is the fourth death of U.S. naval service personnel outside the line of duty since 2007. In January 2007, Petty Officer First Class of the Navy's K9 unit identified as Jennifer was reportedly found dead in her residence in Juffair. In October 2007, two female sailors, Anamarie Sannicolas Camacho and her roommate Genesia Mattril Gresham, were shot dead by one of their colleagues at the barracks on base. The attacker was identified as Master at Arms, Clarence Jackson, who attempted to commit suicide by shooting himself after killing the two sailors. He is reportedly in coma and is being treated at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Centee in Germany.

Bahrain is home to the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet.