USS O'Kane Conducts Burial at Sea Ceremony

By Ensign Calvin Sessions, USS O'Kane (DDG 77) Public Affairs

WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS O'Kane (DDG 77) conducted a burial at sea ceremony while transiting through the Pacific Ocean, March 15.

An honor platoon of Sailors, a color guard and a rifle detail assembled on the flight deck in their dress white uniforms and performed the burial of 10 military veterans and one military spouse.

Cmdr. Gina McCaine, O'Kane's executive officer was the master of ceremonies, and Destroyer Squadron 31's Chaplain, Lt. Cmdr. Carl Muehler, offered prayers and the benediction.

Each veteran received a 21-gun salute as they were laid to rest in the Pacific.

"It is a privilege to be selected to conduct this ceremony and give back to the families of veterans who have honorably served our country," said Cmdr. James Juster, O'Kane's commanding officer.

The families of the veterans will receive a chart of where their loved ones were buried, a burial flag and photos of the ceremony.

O'Kane departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam March 7 for a deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean and 5th Fleet area of operation.