Burial at Sea
Burial at Sea is a service offered to eligible service members, veterans and family members.
Individuals eligible for this program are: active-duty members of the uniformed services; retirees and veterans who were honorably discharged; U.S. civilian-Marine personnel of the Military Sealift Command; and dependent family members of active-duty personnel, retirees, and veterans of the uniformed services.
To apply for a Burial at Sea, the person authorized to direct disposition (PADD) needs to print out and complete a Burial at Sea request form, available at:
www.npc.navy.mil/CommandSupport/CasualtyAssistance/MortuaryServices/Burial+At+Sea
The following documents must be submitted with the form:
- A photocopy of the death certificate
- The burial transit permit or the cremation certificate
- A copy of the DD Form 214, discharge certificate, or retirement order
The disposition of remains involves getting all paperwork together and coordinating for the burial with a port of embarkation. Available ports can be found by calling Mortuary Services at (866) 787-0081.
Cremated remains (cremains) must be in an urn or plastic or metal container. The cremains packaged should be sent via certified mail, return receipt requested.
Intact Remains (Casketed) - Specific guidelines are required for the preparation of casketed remains. All expenses are the responsibility of the PADD.
For more information contact the Mortuary Services office at Navy Casualty in Millington, Tenn, at (866) 787-0081 to receive preparation requirements.
