The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) held a burial at sea for seven former service members on the ship's fantail March 1.

Capt. Paul C. Spedero Jr., Ike's commanding officer, and the ship's chaplains spoke during the ceremony, which marked the first burial at sea the ship has held since returning to the fleet in September 2015.

"On this solemn occasion, we stand ready to carry out a duty, which is also a privilege, to render appropriate military honors for shipmates who have passed on from this life," Spedero said. "The duty is a privilege because we have the opportunity to reflect on the rich tradition of service that we have inherited from the men and women who have gone before us wearing the cloth of the nation."

Historically, ships used burials at sea because they lacked the proper means to bury Sailors. Today, the ceremony is one of the highest honors paid to former service members.

"Throughout our history, the U.S. Navy has regularly conducted burials at sea out of necessity, as our naval forces operated far from homeports for extended periods," Spedero said. "Since the conclusion of World War II, many of our fellow service members and veterans have elected to be buried at sea."

Many Sailors took part in the burial honoring their shipmates. For some, it marked the first such ceremony of their naval careers.

"It was actually a new experience for me," said Operations Specialist 3rd Class Jamal Gumb. "I've never done it, and it's something very special to me because when I pass away, I want to have my body buried at sea. Being here and seeing it is a great experience for me so I can know how the ceremony will go when it's my turn."

Burials at sea are open to all active duty service members, retirees and veterans who were honorably discharged as well as their dependent family members. Requests for burials at sea can be made by service members or their families.

The burial concluded with a 21-gun salute, the playing of taps and the passing of the folded national ensign to the commanding officer.

Ike is currently underway for a Mobile Training Team (MTT) inspection as the ship's crew prepares for its upcoming Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) followed by a scheduled deployment.

For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit www.navy.mil/.