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Forever at Sea, a Final Resting Place
Story Number: NNS021201-02
Release Date: 12/1/2002 5:35:00 AM
By Journalist Third Class (SW/AW) Jennifer Zingalie, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Altantic Fleet Public Affairs NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The Navy is steeped in traditions it carefully preserves to honor those who have served and who have helped to build the strong foundation on which the most powerful maritime force in history operates today.
One of the Navy's oldest traditions, burial at sea, was implemented to properly remove the bodies of deceased Sailors from ship's both out of health concerns for the crew and out of respect for the fallen crewmember. Today this tradition is purely ceremonial in nature and offered to those who have honorably served.
“It starts with a call from the family,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class William R. Montague, decedent affairs mortician at Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, Va.
“We are basically the middleman. After all the appropriate paperwork is complete, we send a message to the ship requested by the family or deceased. Then it is up to the commanding officer (CO) to give the request a yes or a no. Once the ceremony is done, a message will be sent back to us notifying us of the ceremony’s completion, and we, in turn, notify the family.”
According to Montague, all branches of the military, veterans or active duty, as well as their dependants, are eligible to be buried at sea.
The Military Medical Support Office in Great Lakes, Ill., keeps track of all burials at sea, making sure that each gets done and that families are notified.
“When these ships go out, they are on a regular mission. It is important that families understand that they will not be allowed out to sea for the service, and they may have to wait from 30 to 120 days before the burial can take place,” Montague said.
“However, family members can fill out a special request form to receive a videotape or color pictures of the burial. In fact, the ship’s COs are required to send condolence packages to the families after the ceremonies,” said Ronald M. Schnur, decedent affairs coordinator.
This package usually contains a letter from the CO on the condition of the day, as well as a chart of the coordinates where the ceremony took place. Other things that may be included are a flag (provided by the family) and three bullet shell casings.
“Here at decedent affairs, we make sure the member is honored,” said Schnur. “We are not here for the hospital but for the people. I had one lady who had a hard time handing over the remains of her son. When she finally did, she asked if I would be sure to tell him to shape up everyday, and I did so until the day his remains were taken from us.”
Once the remains are taken from the hospital, they are taken to the ship where the ceremony is to be held. Burials at sea must be conducted outside the three mile limit, off the continental shelf, at a depth greater than 100 fathoms (600 feet).
Once the ship reaches its appropriate destination, the ceremony is performed by a chaplain of appropriate faith, or by the CO or an officer designated by the captain. All military members are in dress uniform; there is an honor guard, body bearers and a bugler.
All scriptures and prayers are given while Sailors stand at parade rest, and the committal is done at attention. The honor guard, consisting of seven people, renders honors three times while Sailors stand at attention with a hand salute. Taps is then played, and the encasing of the flag is done. When all is over, the ship resumes regular duties.
“One of the best honors paid to these members and their families is that the ceremony is done at no cost to them, which can mean a lot during such a trying time,” said Montague.
“HM1 Montague and I work almost 24-7 to be sure that people’s wishes are carried out,” said Schnur. “Above all, it is important for the family to know we truly care.”
For related news, visit the Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/surflant. E-mail this story to a friend | Send a comment about this story |
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