The Arleigh Burke-Class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) held a burial at sea for a former Navy service member April 4.

Commanding officer of USS Ross (DDG 71), Cmdr. Russell Caldwell, provided remarks during the ceremony.

"Burial at sea has been a time-honored tradition for mariners and those with a fondness for the ocean for thousands of years," said Caldwell. "After the many years of service, with the satisfaction, joy and sacrifices that come with it, it is fitting that members of our brotherhood would find comfort in the ocean as a final resting place. We honor he who has gone before us today as the vessel for which to complete his final request. May he rest in peace."

The service member was a native of the Philippines. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1945 and served for more than four years. His awards included the Philippine Independence Ribbon, the World War II Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the China Service Medal, and the Navy Occupation Medal.

His remains were released into the Mediterranean Sea, and he was given a 21-gun salute and a Roman Catholic service, in keeping with his wishes.

Historically, the burial at sea tradition was used because ships lacked a proper means to bury mariners. The ceremony has since become one of the highest honors paid to former service members. Burials at sea are open to all members of active duty service members, retirees, and veterans who were honorably discharged, as well as their dependent family member.

Ross, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners in order to advance U.S. national and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.