USS Peleliu Holds Burial at Sea

June 23, 2014

The amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) conducted a burial at sea for 22 deceased veterans and family members, June 22.

“It’s important to remember the service of the people who served in the different branches of the military and also their family members,” said Lt. Tung Tran, a chaplain assigned to Peleliu.

Burials at sea are conducted to render honors to fallen military members, retirees, honorable discharged active duty service members or military dependents. This tradition is a way to show respect to the deceased’s dedication and faithful service to our country.

Sailors from a variety of departments participated in the ceremony. Sailors volunteered as casket and cremains bearers for each fallen service member and dependent.

The crew of Peleliu honored deceased members from the Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Army, with a 21-gun salute and piping from the honor boatswain’s mate.

Peleliu will participate in exercise Rim of the Pacific, a large multinational Naval exercise, as the command ship for the expeditionary strike group and is scheduled to conduct a follow-on deployment to the 7th fleet area of responsibility.

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Press Release, June 23, 2014; Image: Wikimedia