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By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman J. C. J. Stokes
USS Wasp Public Affairs
USS WASP, At Sea – Sailors aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp laid to rest 12 sailors during burials at sea Dec. 10, in the Atlantic Ocean while underway for sea trials.
The 12 cremains were received on Dec. 6, on the eve of the commemoration of the attack Pearl Harbor observance in which Wasp sailors solemnly carried the cremains on board. Four of the cremains were sailors who served in World War II, and one of those sailors served also in the Korean War. All of the cremains received full military honors, including a 21-gun salute, under the direction of WASP’s Commanding Officer Capt. Brenda M. Holdener and Cmdr. Michael Hall, Command Chaplain.
“I wanted to participate in the burial at sea ceremony because it is important to honor our shipmates’ passing, said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Mario Solis. “I was not able to let them know how grateful I am for their service, but participating in their burial at sea was my gesture of gratitude.”
According to Solis, knowing that some of the cremains WASP were committing to the deep served in WWII made the burial that much more significant.
“It is during this time of year [Memorial of Pearl Harbor] that we stop and really acknowledge the great sacrifices that our predecessors made,” said Solis. “I believe Isaac Newton said it best, ‘If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.’”
For one of Wasp’s sailor in attendance at the burial at sea, it was a somber and unique occasion. Included in the 12 cremains was Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class William Newkirk Jr, father of Chief Aviation Ordnancemen William Newkirk III.
“I am glad WASP was able to honor my father during this burial at sea,” said Newkirk. “When I heard Wasp would be taking on cremains for this underway period I knew I wanted have my father to be included. To have my father being honored around the time America and specifically the Navy is remembering Pearl Harbor and some of those sailors who were laid to rest served in WWII it’s just overwhelming I am glad my father was a part of that legacy.”
According to Newkirk, his father was a very hardworking man who loved the Navy and knew just about everything.
“My father was my hero I looked up to him he was my inspiration for joining the Navy. When I made chief, although he could not be there to witness it he was all grins when I told him,” said Newkirk. “I am extremely grateful to my fellow shipmates who were part of the burial at sea. The gratitude that they showed me, my father and all those who served before them was truly an emotional moment for me.”
Another participant for the burials at sea concurred with Newkirk’s sentiments.
Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Eric McKinney, who volunteered to be part of the burial at sea as an honored guard, was honored by the experience
“I was honored to be part of the burials at sea, I love Chief Newkirk to death he is like a father figure to me” said McKinney. “Since Chief’s family could not be here for this occasion I felt like it was my duty to fill that void because in G-1 Flight we look at each other as family and Chief is like the ‘grandfather’ of the division.’”
During the final moments of the burials at sea, Newkirk with his father’s cremains in hand committed his father to sea.
“As I was holding the cremains in my hand I was talking to my father,” said Newkirk. “I was like, ‘Dad this is the last time I love you and your free now, keep looking out for me and keep praising me with your love.’”
As the burials at sea came to a close the commanding officer thanked all of the participants for volunteering and to remember the sacrifices that those sailors who were laid to rest made and why we are here.
| Date Taken: | 12.10.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 12.13.2011 21:06 |
| Story ID: | 81324 |
| Location: | USS WASP, USAFRICOM, AT SEA |
| Web Views: | 241 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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