Why Does US Navy Still Perform Burials at Sea?

0:00 Burial at sea is not an ancient tradition
1:06 The challenges of burial at sea
2:47 Why was an astronaut (Neil Armstrong) buried at sea?
3:33 Who is eligible for Navy's burial at sea?
4:03 What happens if someone dies on a submarine?
4:44 Why wouldn't the Navy bring back the bodies of the dead?
5:49 Burial at sea using an airplane as casket (Loyce Edward Deen)
6:48 How is a burial at sea ceremony performed?
10:22 Unusual cases of burial at sea (Eternal Reefs)
11:52 Burial at Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial (Frank Cabiness)
12:50 US government's top secret burial at sea (Project Azorian)

Why does the US Navy still bury sailors at sea? This is in fact a very popular option, and many have to wait over a year to receive this special ceremony. But why the Navy made an exception when burying astronaut Neil Armstrong at sea, and what it takes for someone’s remains to be buried at Pearl Harbor, underwater ... #NotWhatYouThink #NWYT

Music:
Dark Water - Magnus Ludvigsson
Dismantle - Peter Sandberg
Truce No More - Dream Cave
Irresistable Verdict - Charles Holme
Anywhere Below - Christophe Gorman
One Last Drama - Philip Ayers
Buried Beneath - Trailer Worx
Adoration - Spectacles Wallet and Watch
At High Stakes - Alan Carlson-Green
Prison Cell - Jon Bjork
Gentle Change - Edward Karl Hanson
Ir - Skrya

Footage:
Select images/videos from Getty Images
Shutterstock
US Department of Defense

Note: "The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement."

[NotWhatYouThink]

Do you know anyone personally who was buried at sea? and what are your thoughts on it?

[sandym]

I had to cry watching this, my dad and my uncle were both on aircraft carriers in WW 2 . My uncle was shot down in an Avenger, never found or brought home to this day . My dad survived, but never talked about his experiences, much too painful I'm sure . It took me a long time to realize that my father never taught me hate for the "others " who killed his brother . I grew up without prejudice or hate . Thanks dad RIP ...

[PrinceAlhorian]

Don't forget the Kamikaze pilot in WW 2 who was given a full burial at sea when his plane crashed onto a ship but did not explode. The crew even sewed an Imperial Japanese flag for him.

On the afternoon of April 11, 1945, with tensions at their highest in the Pacific theater of World War II, a kamikaze pilot crashed a Japanese Zero fighter plane into the starboard side of the USS Missouri during the Battle of Okinawa.

Fortunately, the Missouri sustained only minor damage and none of its crew members suffered serious injuries. However, the pilot – believed to be 19-year-old Setsuo Ishino – was killed instantly, his body found among the wreckage on the deck.

The USS Missouri’s commanding officer, Captain William M. Callaghan, issued an order that the pilot be given a military burial at sea the following morning. A Japanese flag, hastily-sewn and pieced together by Missouri crew members, was draped over the pilot’s body and as he was laid to rest, the Marine guard fired a traditional three-volley rifle salute, a bugler played “Taps” and the ship’s chaplain, Roland Faulk, concluded the brief ceremony with the words, “Commend his body to the deep.”

[Ledt-durj]

Really show the respect militaries have for each other with the burial of the Soviet submariners

[NIUpiguy]

“Niel Armstrong was the only person who was born on land, walked on the moon, and buried at sea.”
What a legend.

[martinfisker]

That soviet burial was surprisingly respectful

[Zandeelio]

This one tugged at the heart strings. A beautiful documentary.

[erickaranda]

I remember writing in the deck log for burial at sea. "LT John Doe committed to the sea at lat/long". Deck logs are official record, they can be requested from Naval History and Heritage Center.

[RedStickHistorian]

The Captain of the ship I was on in 1983 conducted a burial at sea for his father. The deceased ashes were spread, so we had to change course to ensure the ashes didn't blow back onto the ship. His brother and nephew were able to attend the ceremony as they were onboard as part of a Tiger cruise.

[jackolantern]

This is very touching and well put together. I wish the statement at 11:41 held true for all veterans, living and deceased. RIP

[victorglaviano]

I've done a couple of them! It's a moving and longstanding naval tradition. If you were killed in battle or if you're honorably discharged or retired you can request to be buried at sea, it's recorded and a copy along with the flag that was ran up the main mast and then ceremonialously lowered for the ceremony.

This is correct about cremation, every time I did them it was ashes. The strict way the ceremony is performed is different than any other I witnessed over 23 years in the Navy.

The ship will pass the words... Officers Call, then calls the crew to quarters. Shortly thereafter the Bridge will pass the words "All stop" and the words "all hands lay topside to bury the dead". The ship will go all stop and the Quartermaster will mark the ship's position in the official navigation log.
The Commanding Officer will come up to the formation, along with a Chaplain, a eulogy will be read and then the Master at Arms will call a 7 Sailor formation to attention, half right face, give the command "prepare to fire 21 gun salute in vollies of 3", they'll fire 3 vollies of 3 (21 shots), 8 bells will sound whenever the remains are passed over the side.
Ones remains are in the ocean, the crew will post from quarters given the command carry out the Plan of the Day and crew will return to duties.

[J.A.Smith]

Very good video specially as we JUST lost the last survivor of u.s.s. Arizona!

[lgd]

Beautifully done NWYT! The only point of disagreement: the three volley salute. Its origins lie in the European wars of the 18th century. Three volley firings ovcured as a temporary battlefield armistice. It signaled a ceasefire to both sides, and allowed opposing forces to gather their dead and wounded from the field. A secondary three volley salute was done to signal an end of the ceasefire.

[jamesfowley]

Both shipmates we lost when I was in the Navy were sent home immediately.

[michaelstrom]

Definitely one of the best and most informative videos thst you have made.

[Arshiyaomera]

“Niel Armstrong was the only person who was born on land, walked on the moon, and buried at sea.”
What a bloody legend.

[redroyal]

nearly cried multiple times during this, and actually cried at the end. I don't know anyone who was burried like this or have any stories, but I found it very moving.

[mike-carrigan]

I am retired UA Army Mortuary Affairs. You missed it on the 3 round volley. It goes back to a time both sides would stop fighting to collect their wounded and decreased. The 3 round volley was to signal the other side "We have collected our deceased."

[johnlancaster]

I am an 80 year old ex Royal Navy Submarine Warrant Officer suffering with Terminal Cancer. I served for 32 years and was twice decorated by HM the Queen. It has been approved by the MOD that my ashes can be interned at sea with 2 members of my family in attendance. The only stipulation is that the internment has to happen in a specific location. I feel very privileged

[ff]

Ah I remember having to view one of these while on deployment recently. On a DDG out in the Pacific over in East Asia with about 6 urns. It is definitely something worth seeing at least once when it happens. Lots of care was put into it by our crew and it was well documented by our PAO for the families. We never personally knew these people that we had sent to the sea, nor did we know if they were a part of our crew, but that didn't stop us from putting on our best for them. Fair winds and following seas.

Edit: one more thing to add: This happened not that long ago and I am still in the Navy currently on the ship it happened on, so feel free to ask any questions. I wasn't a participant in the event, but just an onlooker outside just before watch.