Gettysburg Commits Veterans To Deep

The ceremony itself was mastered by the Executive Officer, Cmdr. Scott Robertson. The Committal was read by the ship's Chaplain, Lt. Cmdr. John Thomson.

Burial-at-Sea is an ancient practice, going back to the earliest days of sea faring. From the beginning of recorded time, men have been plying the seas, in search of food, trading goods, adventure - it has also been absolutely essential in the development of civilization as a keystone to globalization. The sea has also been critical for nations to apply their strategic goals, unfortunately sometimes resulting in war. Regardless of the viewpoint, the sea, with its vastness and untamed reaches, has left many honor-bound to memorialize their loved ones by committing them to the ocean depths.

The somber and stately ceremony involved the entire ship as the ship's company halted work to pay their respects. A rifle detail and honor guard stood proudly to pay respect to the fallen service members. At the commencement of the ceremony, the ship stopped in the water and the rifle detail presented their rifles in salute as the words "All Hands Bury the Dead," was passed throughout the ship.

Upon completion of the scripture reading, the cremated remains of each individual were ceremoniously committed to the sea.

Following the final committal, the seven-member rifle detail fired three volleys into the air. As the ship played taps, ship's company stood stoically while rendering salutes to the buried Sailors and Soldiers. Shortly thereafter, the Officer of the Deck was ordered to resume his course and speed, and Gettysburg continued its voyage eastward across the Atlantic.

When asked about the experience, a rifle detail member, Engineman 2nd Class (SW) Winters, mentioned, "The ceremony was a new experience and gave us the opportunity to honor those who have served before us."

Since the respective family members could not be present, each family was sent pictures of the ceremony, three bullet casings fired by the rifle detail, a nautical chart marking the location of the burial and a personal letter from the commanding officer.

Gettysburg was proud to have paid tribute to these veterans and upheld the ancient naval tradition of solemnly, honorably committing remains to the deep.