Whidbey Island Holds Burial At Sea Ceremony

USS WHIDBEY ISLAND, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) conducted a burial at sea ceremony Aug. 22.

Whidbey Island Sailors and embarked Marines, assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), paid final homage to three Navy veterans.

"Today, we say goodbye to these Sailors, to men who have been our shipmates for their final cruise," said Cmdr. Eric Conzen, commanding officer. "These men spent much of their lives at sea, and loved it so much they chose it for their eternal resting place."

A prayer was said for each veteran before committing their remains to the sea. The benediction was given, and the ceremony concluded with a 21-gun salute.

"Burial at sea is a time honored naval tradition born out of necessity for honorably burying deceased military members," said Religious Programs Specialist 1st Class Michael Willis. "The ceremony is a sacred and beautiful way to honor the military's deceased and to reaffirm our commitment to honorably serve our country regardless of the sacrifices we may face."

Many of the Marines aboard were grateful to have participated in the ceremony alongside the crew.

"I was honored to be part of this ceremony," said Lance Cpl. Floyd Epperson. "The whole experience has made an impact on my life. It demonstrated Navy tradition and heritage. I think the families would be very proud."

"Marines are an integral part of Navy service," said Conzen. "Marines are a vital part of the team and play a part in every event we have. It is a show of solidarity for a fallen shipmate."

Burials at sea are an old Navy tradition, which values both the shared heritage and common bond of the Maritime services.

"One way we care for our Sailors and Marines is by continuing our rich Navy traditions such as this one," said Cmdr. Robert Moore, the ship's chaplain. "In doing so, we honor and respect the sacrifices of those who have gone before us, those who paved the way for the lives we enjoy today."

The Whidbey Island is deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG), supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

For more news from USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), visit www.navy.mil/local/lsd41/.