BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Capitol flags flew at half staff Wednesday in honor of Petty Officer 1st Class Cherie L. Morton, 40, of Bakersfield, who died Sunday while serving in Galali, Muharraq, Bahrain.

The Department of Defense announced on Tuesday the death of Morton who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

On Wednesday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger released the following statement regarding Morton's death: "Maria and I join all Californians in paying tribute to the life of Petty Officer Cherie Morton, an outstanding patriot who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend america.

We are forever grateful to Cherie for her courage, loyalty and steadfast commitment to the cause of liberty for all people. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cherie's family, friends and fellow sailors as they honor the memory of this fallen hero."

The Stars and Stripes said Morton lived off base and was found in her home.

According to the Navy Times, in October 2007, two female sailors were shot and killed on the U.S. naval base in Bahrain. They also said 3,600 personnel work on the American base.

While terrorism has been ruled out, according to the Stars and Stripes, the cause of death is under investigation.

Morton's body will be flown to Bakersfield for burial.