U.S. Navy Burial at Sea Policy

The ocean is a tempting final resting place for many of those who spent their lives working on it.

The ocean holds a strong, spiritual pull for many, and it has become increasingly popular to arrange for burial at sea. Ocean burials are regulated by the government because of the environmental concerns associated with adding human remains to the water. If the deceased was associated with the American armed forces, you might decide to hold an at-sea funeral under the auspices of the Navy, from aboard a Naval vessel or aircraft. This can involve scattering cremation ashes over the sea or lowering a metal casket or urn into the watery deep.

Eligibility

A broad range of people are eligible for Navy burial.

Naval policy, set by its Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, allows for the following people to arrange for "disposition" at sea: members of the "uniformed services," former members who have retired or who were honorably discharged, dependents of the above, U.S. civilian marine personnel of the Military Sealift Command, U.S. citizens whose eligibility is based on "notable service or outstanding contributions to the United States."

How to Apply

The process can involve copious paperwork.

If you want to bury an eligible loved one at sea, contact his commanding or Casualty Assistance officer, who will convey the request to the Military Medical Support Office. The MMSO will then let you know if and where a naval burial is possible.

You will have to send or bring the remains to a mortuary near the designated point of departure (which might be in Norfolk, Virginia; Jacksonville, Florida; Corpus Christi, Texas; San Diego, California; Bremerton, Washington; or Honolulu, Hawaii).

When the shore facility receives the remains, along with the necessary paperwork, they will let you know the approximate sailing date (which can be up to 10 weeks from the time the Fleet Commander is notified of your request).

Note that civilians may not attend services on naval ships at sea, or on naval aircrafts.

You are responsible for the costs of preparing and delivering the casketed or inurned remains to the ship's point of embarkation.

Distance from Shore

Burial at sea must occur at least three miles from land in a location where the ocean is at least 600 feet deep.

Ceremony

The ceremony is performed by a chaplain of the deceased's faith or by the commanding officer. The ship is stopped and its colors brought to half-mast. The officer passes the word "All hands bury the dead." After all are assembled and called to attention, they stand at "parade rest," read scriptures and prayers (the texts differ based on the deceased's religion), and commit the remains to sea. The officiant then reads a benediction, the firing detail fires three volleys, and the bugler plays "Taps." Finally, all personnel resume their regular duties.

Aftermath

Civilians may not attend the ceremony, but you'll receive photographs and the encasing flag.

Within 10 days of the burial, the ship's commanding officer must send a personal letter to the "next of kin," notifying you of the date, time and location of the burial. He will include photographs or video tape of the ceremony and a commemorative flag.

References

• Bureau of Naval Personnel: Naval Military Funeral (pages 17-25)
• Funeral Planning 101: Burial At Sea