Memorial Service Honors Naval Officer Found Dead In Bahrain

Manama, Bahrain (AHN) - A memorial service for a U.S. naval officer found dead at her home over the weekend was held Wednesday at the naval support station here.

Navy Petty Officer Cherie Morton, 40, was found dead at her residence in Qalali, Muharraq, on Sunday. Officials say there was no indication that a gun involved in the death, contrary to initial claims that her body had gunshot wounds.

The U.S. Defense Department announced on its website Tuesday that the cause of Morton's death is under investigation.

On the same day, the department also announced the death of another sailor, Airman Apprentice Adrian M. Campos, 22, of El Paso, Texas. He was found dead in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Monday due to what was called non-combat related incident.

Both Morton and Campos supported Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Morton's body was sent to the U.S. for burial on Monday.

The U.S. Navy said Morton, a 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.

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

According to the Stars and Stripes, Morton is survived by her parents from Rockville, Richard Gary and Mary Hughes, and her son, Brian Trevor, from Los Angeles.

Bahrain is home to the US Navy Fifth Fleet.