Bataan Honors Former Sailors with Burial at Sea

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Elijah G. Leinaar, USS Bataan (LHD 5) Public Affairs

USS BATAAN, Atlantic Ocean (NNS) -- Sailors aboard multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) committed 12 former Sailors to their final resting place Feb. 16 during a burial-at-sea ceremony while the ship operated in the Atlantic Ocean.

"Raise the church pennant and lower the colors to half mast," was spoken in a solemn and firm tone over the ship's general announcing system. The ensign was lowered and the burial detail prepared to send their shipmates to the deep.

Burials at sea have been a part of naval tradition from the nation's sea services' beginnings, according to the Naval Historical Center.

"I felt very honored that one of the two I committed today was my father-in-law," said Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Benjamin F. Thompson III, part of Bataan's burial detail and the son-in-law of retired Chief Warrant Officer James B. Harris. "It was a big honor to do that. He was committed with at least one [other] WWII veteran today. Last May, my wife and I committed the remains of her grandfather to sea at Pearl Harbor, and now her father."

Thompson had known his father-in-law for nearly 20 years, and his relationship is what influenced his career choice.

"He was a big reason why I joined," said Thompson. "None of my uncles or dad had been in the Navy. I got married to Amy four days after boot camp. My wife was very appreciative that we could get it set up to have the ceremony [on Bataan]. It means everything to her. She wishes she could be here, but she understands and is very happy I could do this for him. They really loved each other and had a close relationship. She felt very strong that this should be done for her father. I'm thankful to the chain of command. It takes a significant amount of time to do this, and I am grateful."

Thompson's wife, along with the families of the other service members honored, will receive a ceremonial folded flag, and the shell casings from the rounds fired during the 21-gun salute. A letter from the captain, a chart listing the latitude and longitude of where the cremains were committed, and still photos of the ceremony will also be provided.

"If they had never served we wouldn't be able to do what we are doing," said Religious Program Specialist 1st Class Lunar R. Odhiambo. "So, I am grateful to be able to serve them today. It's a special place to be committed to sea. It's fitting for those who served in the Navy and spent so many years at sea."

Odhiambo said there's more than just a connection with these Sailors and the sea, but also a connection for the crew members involved in the ceremony.

"I really felt an attachment to these Sailors because we took their cremains on board and took care of them. We checked them every day until the ceremony. So, it was a little hard to say goodbye to them today," Odhiambo said. "They were Sailors and we are Sailors, and I am proud to honor them."

Upholding Navy customs and traditions with ceremonies like this gives new and veteran Sailors a chance to reflect on the importance of their service.

"Being buried at sea is meaningful," said Bataan Chaplain Cmdr. Steven Souders. "It has tradition. So as Sailors begin to see these traditions, it begins to build that legacy in them."

The veterans laid to rest varied in rank from enlisted to officer, and their service ranged from WWII to the 1980s. The most important connection they may have had was their service in the Navy and their love for the sea.

"When you're out to sea you walk the deck plates, you see the sunrise, and you feel the ocean breeze," said Souders. "There is something that pulls you to God's creation and you feel that pull - that depth - and you begin to feel like you're a part of something bigger than yourself. It's a fitting resting place to be buried in the deep, and it again goes back to tradition."

"Ready, aim, fire." The ceremonial gun shots cracked above the ocean waves. The cremains were laid to rest. The Bataan crew stood still throughout the ship as Taps sounded. The ensign was hoisted up from half mast, and like so many who've gone before, Bataan carried on with her mission.

For more news from USS Bataan (LHD 5), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd5/.