Navy Honors the Fallen

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Novalee Manzella | The honor guard poses for a photo after a Burial at Sea was conducted on the weather deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) January 24, 2022. GHWB provides the national command authority flexible, tailorable war fighting capability through the carrier strike group that maintains maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Novalee Manzella)  

ATLANTIC OCEAN

01.24.2022

Story by Seaman Felix Castillo Reyes 

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77)

ATLANTIC OCEAN – USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) held a burial at sea ceremony here, Jan. 24.

A burial at sea ceremony honors service members and veterans who have passed away.

Three caskets encased with the American flag were brought out to the hangar bay, as a group of Sailors and burial detail respectfully waited for the ceremony to begin. The flags were taken off the caskets and folded neatly.

The ceremony began with the petty officer of the watch calling “all hands bury the dead,” over the 1MC, the ship’s main communication system, followed by a prayer led by Cmdr. Douglas Grace, the chaplain for USS George H.W. Bush and Carrier Strike Group 10. The caskets were moved one-at-a-time toward the edge of aircraft elevator three. Then a brief introduction and biographical information was read to the crew in attendance.

The pallbearers lifted up the caskets in unison, and placed them in the ocean one-after-the-other, where the Veteran Sailors will take their final rest. After the three caskets were placed in the ocean, a rifle company fired off three shots while the burial detail and those present stood at attention. Meanwhile, the chaplain led another prayer, and taps was played signaling the end of the ceremony.

“Our ceremony was all about paying tribute to their service and their request,” said Grace. “Being buried at sea was a demonstration that they loved our Navy, our country, and their service.”
GHWB Sailors honor those who served their country through observing these traditions and ceremonies like burials at sea. In this way, our Sailors are reminded of the impact their duty and service has on the Navy and the country.

“I thought today’s ceremony was a beautiful demonstration of our Avenger crew paying honor to those who stepped up to serve the country,” said Grace.

• Date Taken: 01.24.2022
• Date Posted: 01.28.2022 19:25
• Story ID: 413401
• Location: ATLANTIC OCEAN