The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) held a burial at sea on the ship's flight deck, Oct. 26.

Fourteen honorably discharged service members and one U.S. Navy dependent were committed to the sea, at the request of the fallen and their families.

Cmdr. Jeremiah D. Jackson, Sampson's executive officer, and Lt. Cmdr. Steven T. Benefield, chaplain for Destroyer Squadron 23, spoke during the ceremony.

"It was an honor to hold the service for our brothers and sisters who once wore the uniform," said Benefield. "I can't speak for each individual family member; however, I trust they are blessed and comforted to know their loved one was recognized for their honorable and noble service to America."

During the ceremony, photos were taken to be delivered to the families of the fallen veterans to keep in honor and remembrance of their loved ones.

"We completed the ceremony to bless the family members," said Benefield. "But the Sailors of the USS Sampson are the ones who received the blessing. We are grateful to have been afforded the opportunity to pay tribute to these naval giants."

Sampson and DESRON 23 is currently deployed with the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, conducting maritime security, forward presence, and theater security operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.



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