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My Loved One Was a Veteran. Will the Navy Conduct a Burial at Sea?
The United States Navy offers sea burials of either intact bodies or cremated remains to the following individuals: You should know, however, that the service will be performed while the […]
The United States Navy offers sea burials of either intact bodies or cremated remains to the following individuals:
- Active-duty service members
- Retirees and veterans who were honorably discharged
- U.S. civilian marine personnel of the Military Sealift Command
- Dependent family members of active-duty personnel, retirees and veterans of the uniformed services
You should know, however, that the service will be performed while the ship is deployed, so friends and family members are not allowed to attend. Further, the process is not a quick one. According to the U.S. Navy Personnel Command, the average length of time between the arrival of a body or cremated ashes at the point of embarkation and burial is 12 to 18 months. When the committal service is completed, the commanding officer of the ship will notify you (or the person authorized to direct disposition) of the date, time and longitude and latitude where the committal service took place. If you supplied a burial flag (required for the service), it will be returned to you. Additionally, you may request a headstone, grave marker, niche marker or memorial medallion from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
To arrange for sea burial for your loved one, go to MyNavy HR or call 1-833-330-6622 to request a packet with the necessary paperwork. In addition to the form requesting sea burial, you will need to submit the following documents with your request:
- A photocopy of the person’s death certificate
- A burial transit permit of cremation certificate
- A copy of the person’s DD14 form, discharge certificate or retirement order
The Navy has strict requirements about the preparation of casketed remains for burial at sea. You will need to select a funeral home near the point of embarkation, and all expenses related to the process will be your responsibility. The funeral home will then work with the Navy Burial at Sea Coordinator to ensure that all requirements are met. However, it is important that you remain in contact with both the funeral home and the Sea Burial Coordinator to ensure that everything is proceeding according to plan.
Sources
“Burial at Sea”. MyNavy HR. https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Support-Services/Casualty/Mortuary-Services/Burial-at-Sea/
DD14 form. National Archives. https://www.archives.gov/personnel-records-center/dd-214
