Sailors aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) conducted a burial at sea ceremony, January 30.

The ceremony honored the lives of 19 retired service members and one spouse.

During the ceremony, the cremated remains of U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Army veterans were placed on a white tablecloth, which according to Naval History and Heritage Command, is representative of white sailcloth which was used to ceremoniously wrap Sailors who died while at sea.

Sailors lowered the veterans' remains individually into the sea, after Philippine Sea's chaplain, Lt. David Martin, delivered a eulogy.

Martin spoke of how these service members faithfully served and how it is important to remember those who have answered the call-to-service in defense of the nation.

"Not one of us lives for himself, or dies for himself," said Martin.

The Sailors present were humbled by his words and by the honor of participating in the ceremony.

"I am proud to take part in this ceremony and to bring these fellow brothers and sisters to peace." said Logistics Specialist Seaman Recruit Christian Nepomuceno, an urn bearer for the ceremony.

"My heart goes out to the families," said Philippine Sea's Command Master Chief Jeffery West. "Thanks for the sacrifices they made for this country; hopefully we did right by them today."

Philippine Sea's Commanding Officer John Schmidt was also in attendance, stating the ceremony was, "a fitting way to say farewell to fellow service members with dignity and respect."

The crew of the Philippine Sea will be sending mementos from the ceremony to the families.

Philippine Sea is deployed with the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG) in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations.

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