USS O’Kane conducts burial at sea ceremony

Photo By Shod J Williams | Information Technician Second Class Ruddana Skipper (left) of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS O'Kane (DDG 77) presents Cmdr. James Juster, O’Kane's commanding officer with a commemorative flag, as Lt. Cmdr. Chad Muehler, Destroyer Squadron 31's chaplain and Cmdr. Gina McCaine (right), O’Kane's executive officer, observe during a burial at sea ceremony. O'Kane is on a deployment in the 7th Fleet area of operations supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Fire Controlman First Class Shod Williams/Released)  

WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN , USAFRICOM, AT SEA

03.23.2014

Courtesy Story

Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet   

By Ensign Calvin Sessions
USS O’Kane Public Affairs

WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN – 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 were 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.

• Date Taken: 03.23.2014
• Date Posted: 03.23.2014 14:48
• Story ID: 122414
• Location: WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN , USAFRICOM, AT SEA