As USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) wrapped up the first week of a scheduled seven-month deployment March 19, the ship’s crew paused from their underway routine to conduct the solemn and sacred Navy tradition of burial at sea.

The cremated remains of 33 former service members were committed to the turbulent waters of the Pacific Ocean during the ceremony which took place off the coast of southern California.

“These 33 people were willing to lay down their lives to keep us free during the time they were in the service,” said Cmdr. John Swanson, Lincoln’s command chaplain. “This is our final tribute to the legacy they left behind and a final thanks on behalf of a grateful nation.”

Swanson personally sent each box of cremated remains to the deep with Protestant Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Michael Green and Catholic Chaplain Lt. Peter Le reading individual prayers and committals.  Unlike previous ceremonies in which Lincoln chaplains knelt precariously on the edge of the ship’s massive aircraft elevator, this time the remains were “launched” into the sea via a flag-enshrouded, metal chute crafted by Sailors from Lincoln’s sheet metal shop and Deck Department. 

“We spent about 10 hours welding on it the day before the ceremony and then took it up to (Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Jerumias) Braga in Deck,” said Hull Technician Fireman David Jones, who supervised welding on the device. “He worked into the night to stitch the flag around it so it would be done in time.”

The ceremony commenced with the burial detail in dress blue uniforms assembled on the elevator as rays of morning sun peeked through an overcast sky.  Having brought the massive aircraft carrier to a halt, the crew was asked to cease all work topside. There was silence as the chaplains read the benediction and began the process of ensuring every service member’s remains were honorably sent to their final resting place. 

Flag bearers ceremoniously carried the cremains from a table to the edge of the elevator and, with a salute, presented them to Swanson for committal.

“It’s a good feeling to be a part of burial detail,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman Fabian Guevara, a volunteer flag bearer for the ceremony. “It’s something I felt I should do because it’s a chance to honor our veterans. They did their part for our country and now we’re doing our part to honor them.”

After the last of the remains were overboard, a firing detail from Lincoln’s Weapons Department fired three volleys and “Taps” was played. The lead flag bearer then presented the U.S. flag to Lincoln’s executive officer, Capt. Thomas Nosenzo as “Eternal Father” was played, concluding the ceremony.

All current and former U.S. military service members who received an honorable discharge are eligible for burial at sea if they request it. Chaplain Green said that in addition to Sailors, this ceremony included former U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force personnel. Two spouses were also buried with their husbands in keeping with their wishes.

Burial at sea ceremonies are coordinated with embarked ships through local Navy hospitals. Immediately following burial at sea, service members’ next of kin are sent a message informing them of the date, time and exact location that their loved one was buried. Lincoln’s Religious Ministries Department then prepares a flag, flag certificate, letter from the commanding officer, navigation chart depicting the location of the burial, and photos and video of the ceremony to be sent to their family.