Well I did 24 years and the only time that I know of that we did not get the remains back to the families if they were completely lost at sea. I witnessed many souls coming back through Sigonella Naval Air Station from Iraq and Afghanistan to the family in the states. If a Sailor died on the ship (I was stationed on three), we would send them to their families. But I am not an expert of course but that is just my experience from 24 years.
Thanks — 24 years is a lot of time (to me, anyway).
Thank you for your service and thanks again for the insight.