The crew of USS Ingraham (FFG 61) held eleven burial-at-sea ceremonies with full military honors last month while escorting a decommissioned fast-attack submarine and its tow to San Diego.

The cremated remains of 10 former Sailors and one Marine were laid to rest during Ingraham’s two week underway period off the coast of California. 

“It was our honor to commit these Sailors to the sea,” said Ingraham Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Matt Ovios. “Even though we did not know these Sailors personally, we know the sacrifices they made for our Navy and nation.”

A ceremony for each Sailor was conducted separately. Their ashes were scattered into the Pacific Ocean while Lt. James Johnson, Destroyer Squadron 9 chaplain, led the prayers and the committals.

Ensign Christopher Svendsen, Ingraham burial at sea coordinator, was responsible for the smooth and flawless execution of each ceremony.

“Ensign Svendsen did an outstanding job in making these ceremonies a success,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ernesto Rivera, Ingraham executive officer.

Svendsen orchestrated the receipt of all cremains, planning the ceremony, and for ensuring the families of the Sailors and Marine received pictures as well as a professionally edited video of the ceremony.

As part of each ceremony, a rifle detail composed of seven Ingraham Sailors performed a three-volley twenty one-gun salute in honor of the departed Sailors and marine.

For many of the crew members who participated, it was their first time witnessing such a time-honored naval tradition. 

“I later showed these pictures [of the ceremonies] to my dad because I wanted him to see how great of an honor it was to participate in this long-standing naval tradition,” said Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Andrew Davies, a member of the burial-at-sea rifle detail. “I had never been a part of this before and it felt good to give these deceased Sailors the respect they deserved.”

Each family of those honored will be presented with a letter from the commanding officer, along with still photos, a DVD recording, and the American flag presented during the ceremony on behalf of each Sailor’s family.