USS Stout Holds Burial at Sea

ATLANTIC OCEAN

05.22.2016

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class William Dodge 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element East - (Reserve)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 22, 2016) – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG 55) held a burial at sea for 20 former military service members and dependents on the ship’s flight deck May 20.

Stout’s executive officer and chaplain spoke during the ceremony, which marked the first burial at sea the ship has held since departing Naval Station Norfolk for a regularly scheduled deployment with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG).

“Today, we buried several people born in the 1920’s,” said Lt. Michael Carpenter, chaplain aboard Stout. “It’s easy to assume these veterans served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and I am proud to be a part of a ceremony to honor such heroes. I am honored to be the chaplain for this ceremony.”

Historically, ships used the tradition of a burial at sea due to the lack of having proper means to bury Sailors. Today, the ceremony is one of the highest honor and respect paid to former service members.

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

Many Stout Sailors took part in the ceremony honoring Sailors, soldiers and their family members.

“It’s really touching to be a part of this type of ceremony,” said Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Jessica Ruelas, who participated in the ceremony as part of the firing squad, “especially seeing loved ones laid to rest at sea alongside their family members. Seeing the love that not only our veterans, but also our family members, have for their country is incredible.”


The burial was concluded with a 21-gun salute, playing of “Taps” and passing of the folded national ensign to Stout’s Commanding Officer Cmdr. Adam G. Cheatham.

Stout is transiting the Atlantic en route to the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility to conduct her deployment missions with Ike CSG.

Ike CSG is comprised of the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 staff, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 staff, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Monterey (CG 61) and the ships assigned to DESRON 26: the guided-missile destroyers USS Stout (DDG 55), USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Nitze (DDG 94).

For more news on Stout please visit https://www.facebook.com/ddg55/.

• Date Taken: 05.22.2016
• Date Posted: 05.24.2016 00:25
• Story ID: 198849
• Location: ATLANTIC OCEAN