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Bahrain shooting suspect worked base security

The alleged shooter in an incident Monday in Bahrain that left two sailors dead was armed as a member of the base security force, according to a Navy spokesperson.

That sailor, still not identified by the Navy, remains in a Bahrain hospital in critical condition with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Killed were Master at Arms Seaman Apprentice Anamarie Sannicolas Camacho, 20, of Panama City, Fla., and Master at Arms Seaman Genesia Mattril Gresham, 19, of Lithonia, Ga., in what’s described as “a non-combat related incident.”

The shootings occurred in the early morning in the barracks on the Navy base in Bahrain, home of the 5th Fleet.

The third sailor has not been identified because he’s still alive, though his family has been notified of his status, said Lt. Denise Garcia, a spokeswoman for 5th Fleet.

Gresham and Camacho were masters-at-arms assigned to the base security force. Gresham arrived there in March; Camacho arrived in September.

The alleged shooter was also a member of the base security force.

Garcia said military personnel are prohibited from possessing personal firearms in the Central Command area. She said Camacho and Gresham were not on duty at the time, but “the male, I believe, was. That’s why he had a gun,” Garcia said.

According to information released by 5th Fleet public affairs, “initial indications are the three sailors were acquainted, but the extent of their relationships and the details of the shootings are still under investigation” by base security forces and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

Sailors living in the barracks were evacuated to the base gymnasium after the incident.

Garcia said it’s believed the alleged shooter had had a relationship with Gresham. All three lived on the base in barracks.

Some 3,600 personnel are assigned to Naval Support Activity Bahrain and its tenant commands. About 1,200 junior sailors, E-4 and below, live in barracks inside the Navy compound. Higher-ranking sailors live off-base and receive an overseas housing allowance. Since 2004, duty in Bahrain has meant an unaccompanied tour for married sailors.