Wasp Conducts Burial at Sea

Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Sean Galbreath | 171129-N-SA412-0065 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 29, 2017) Sailors participate in a burial-at-sea aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1). Wasp is transiting to Sasebo, Japan to conduct a turnover with the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) as the forward-deployed flag ship of the amphibious forces in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Sean Galbreath/Released)  

USSOUTHCOM, AT SEA

11.29.2017

Story by Chief Petty Officer Andrew McCord 

USS WASP (LHD 1)   

USS WASP Public Affairs
Wasp Conducts Burial at Sea
In the morning hours of Nov. 29, Sailors aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) committed to the sea the remains of Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Conrad Strub during a burial at sea.
A long-standing naval tradition, the honor may be requested by the military member, their family, or their dependents, and serves as a physical demonstration of honor by the service to the member for their service to the country.
“Burial at sea is one way in which we honor the memory of a fellow service member,” said Wasp Executive Officer, Capt. John Howard during his remarks. “Throughout our history the U.S. Navy has regularly operated far from home ports for extended periods of time. Since the conclusion of World War II, many of our fellow service members and veterans have been buried at sea. With these things in mind, we follow in the footsteps of those who have gone before us.”
For participants and attendees, the response was unanimously one of honor and deep meaning.
“It’s the best way I can honor someone who served before me and made sacrifices,” said Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class Bryan Gillespie, who played “Taps” on the bugle during the ceremony. “If there’s something I can do to honor someone in this capacity, then that’s what I’m going to do. There’s a connection between us – they set the standard which I have to uphold now.”
Wasp is currently transiting to Sasebo, Japan where it is slated to relieve the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) as the forward-deployed flagship of the amphibious forces in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

• Date Taken: 11.29.2017
• Date Posted: 11.29.2017 18:06
• Story ID: 256852
• Location: USSOUTHCOM, AT SEA