The US Navy admiral overseeing American naval forces in the Middle East has been found dead at his residence in Bahrain.

The statement from the US Navy on Saturday said foul play was not suspected.

Vice Admiral Scott Stearney, a Chicago native, was the commander of the US Navy's Bahrain-based 5th Fleet. The Navy did not specify the cause of death.

"The Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Bahraini Ministry of Interior are co-operating on the investigation, but at this time no foul play is suspected," said Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson, adding that Stearney's deputy, Rear Admiral Paul Schlise, had assumed command.

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