The tradition of burial at sea is an ancient one. As far as anyone knows this has been a practice as long as people have gone to sea. In earlier times, the body was sewn into a weighted shroud, usually sailcloth. The body was then sent over the side, usually with an appropriate religious ceremony.
Many burials at sea took place as recently as World War II when naval forces operated at sea for weeks, and months at a time. Since World War II many service members, veterans, and family members have chosen to be buried at sea.
Many people are eligible for a funeral at sea conducted by the U.S. Navy.
This eligibility includes, but is not limited to:
* active duty
* retired
* honorably discharged veterans
* their family members
* U.S. civilian marine personnel of Military Sea Lift Command
* other U.S. citizens who are determined eligible by the Chief of Naval Operations because of notable service and/or other contributions to our country.
Anyone desiring burial at sea, or scattering their cremated remains at sea (by ship or aircraft) should indicate that preference in writing (in a will or other legal document).
Disposition at sea is normally accomplished within 8 to 10 weeks from the time the responsible Fleet Commander-in-Chief is notified of a request. The Commanding Officer of a ship directed to conduct an at sea disposition will, within 10 days after the committal, mail to the next of kin a personal letter giving the date and time of committal and include photographs or video tape of the ceremony, the commemorative flag and a chart showing where the burial took place. Copies of the basic letter only will be forwarded to Naval Office of Medical/Dental Affairs, Great Lakes, IL; and Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Washington DC.
For Dispersion of Cremated Remains from an Aircraft, Private memorial services and/or honors should be accomplished prior to forwarding requests for cremated remains dispersion from an aircraft. Appropriate coordination with a naval activity capable of accomplishing disposition by this means should be arranged. The next of kin shall be informed by letter from the commanding officer or if appropriate the chaplain, advising them when and where (by grid coordinates) disposition was accomplished.
To determine eligibility, persons pre-planning their funerals and the executors / executrixes of estates should contact:
Military Medical Support Office (MMSO) ,Mortuary Affairs, Bldg. 38H
Great Lakes, IL 60085-5200 Toll Free: 1-800-876-1131
For further information contact:
Casualty Assistance Branch, Naval Personnel Command (NPC-621)
5720 Integrity Drive, Millington, TN 38055-6210 Toll Free: 1-800-368-3202
http://www.geocities.com/sfscattering/eligible.htmlhttp://buperscd.technology.navy.mil/bup_updt/upd_CD/BUPERS/FUNERALS/15555d.pdf
Author
