Did my fare share of funerals at sea. Was stationed on the USS Coral Sea, CV-43 from 77-80 as part of the Marine Detachment. One of our duties was to provide burial details for those wishing to be buried at sea or land when possible. Marine Corps did away with the mission of Sea Duty in the nineties. It was a great honor to provide this service to members of our Armed Forces. Semper Fidelis.
That must have been a very unusual duty. I imagine that it was full of the usual precision and courtesy of any burial. But without an "audience" of the family, I imagine it was more...personal. Perhaps an introspective experience for the Sailors performing the duty.
@ it was. I don’t recall any family members attending the service. From what I recall, we would be out on carrier quals when the service was conducted. Never went to see just to perform the service. We did a lot of “dog and pony” type duties but our primary duty was the internal security of the ship and sensitive items. Since they removed these sensitive items, Marines were no longer required to be on ships for that mission. Looking back, it was an awesome experience that not many know about. A lot of spit and polish, looking sharp and standing around to be shown off sums it up. One day I hope someone will do a story on the history of the Corps and the Sea Going Marines. Happy New Years
If not one last grand adventure, then maybe one last middle finger to the bureaucracy that made you jump through hoops just to get BAH certified every month for a year and "lost" your promotion paper work three times. I've got all my ducks in a row for that National Cemetery burial with all the hoopla for a decorated combat veteran, although I am hoping to put it off for several more years if possible.
My late brother was a Navy veteran, originally he wanted to be buried at sea but changed his mind before his passing. He saved me a bunch of paperwork.
I had no idea this was an option for retirees and veterans. Pretty cool. I'm not planning on it, but I know a couple folks that may want to pursue this.
![Burials at Sea - Military Full Body Burial with Casket - [Funerals Your Way]](/img/1.gif)
Did my fare share of funerals at sea. Was stationed on the USS Coral Sea, CV-43 from 77-80 as part of the Marine Detachment. One of our duties was to provide burial details for those wishing to be buried at sea or land when possible. Marine Corps did away with the mission of Sea Duty in the nineties. It was a great honor to provide this service to members of our Armed Forces. Semper Fidelis.
That must have been a very unusual duty. I imagine that it was full of the usual precision and courtesy of any burial. But without an "audience" of the family, I imagine it was more...personal. Perhaps an introspective experience for the Sailors performing the duty.
@ it was. I don’t recall any family members attending the service. From what I recall, we would be out on carrier quals when the service was conducted. Never went to see just to perform the service. We did a lot of “dog and pony” type duties but our primary duty was the internal security of the ship and sensitive items. Since they removed these sensitive items, Marines were no longer required to be on ships for that mission. Looking back, it was an awesome experience that not many know about. A lot of spit and polish, looking sharp and standing around to be shown off sums it up. One day I hope someone will do a story on the history of the Corps and the Sea Going Marines. Happy New Years
If not one last grand adventure, then maybe one last middle finger to the bureaucracy that made you jump through hoops just to get BAH certified every month for a year and "lost" your promotion paper work three times. I've got all my ducks in a row for that National Cemetery burial with all the hoopla for a decorated combat veteran, although I am hoping to put it off for several more years if possible.
👍
this was my plan since i participated in a burial at sea ceremony
Pretty cool!
My late brother was a Navy veteran, originally he wanted to be buried at sea but changed his mind before his passing. He saved me a bunch of paperwork.
I wonder what changed his mind?
@ His children swayed his decision.
I had no idea this was an option for retirees and veterans. Pretty cool. I'm not planning on it, but I know a couple folks that may want to pursue this.
That's kind of how I feel...not my cup of tea, but I know some guys who might like it.
1500 burial at seas occur each year?!
That's what the website said: however, in recent years its been fewer.
Why you wear t-shirt under button shirt?
Keeps the shirt from rubbing my skin.