THE TENSION: Combat Camera: On Board USS Enterprise, 19 July 2007

ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 18, 2007) - Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Christopher Denker, of Portland, Ore., uses a Mode-4 control box to check the Identification, Friend or Foe system on an F/A-18F Super Hornet on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise and embarked Carrier Airwing (CVW) 1 are currently underway on a scheduled six-month deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class N.C. Kaylor (RELEASED)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 18, 2007) - An aviation boatswain's mate directs an F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to the "Checkmates" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211, aboard nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 are underway on a scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kiona M. Mckissack (RELEASED)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 18, 2007) - An F/A-18C, from the "Knighthawks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, launches from the bow of nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) for a unit-level training mission. VFA-136 is part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 embarked aboard Enterprise on a scheduled six-month deployment in support of maritime operations and the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Peter Scheu (RELEASED)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 18, 2007) - An F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to the "Checkmates" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211, performs a catapult assisted launch from the flight deck of nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 are underway on a scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brandon Morris (RELEASED)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 18, 2007) - Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) Airman Christopher Blount, from Dallas, refuels an F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to the "Checkmates" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211, aboard nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise and embarked Carrier Air Wing One (CVW 1) are underway on a scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph R. Wax (RELEASED)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 17, 2007) - Commanding Officer Capt. Ron Horton speaks to Sailors during an E-4 and below captain's call in the hangar bay of nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise and embarked Carrier Airwing One (CVW 1) are underway on a scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class N.C. Kaylor (RELEASED)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 17, 2007) - Aviation Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Curtis Meyers and Aviation Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Carlos Ramos troubleshoot an Aircraft Engine Components Test Stand in the aircraft intermediate maintenance detachment shop on board nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise and embarked Carrier Air Wing One (CVW 1) are underway on a scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class McKinley Cartwright (RELEASED)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 16, 2007) - Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class Jonathan Shorley, of St. Louis, installs a piece of equipment to the tail of an SH-60F Seahawk, attached to the "Dragonslayers" of Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (HS) 11, aboard nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise and embarked Carrier Air Wing One (CVW 1) are underway on a scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brandon Morris (RELEASED)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 17, 2007) – Capt. O.P. Honors, executive officer aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65), and other participants await the arrival of the official party during a burial-at-sea ceremony aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Enterprise and embarked Carrier Air Wing One (CVW 1) are underway on a scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Octavio N. Ortiz (RELEASED)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 17, 2007) - Command Master Chief Paul Declercq performs a ceremonial salute during a burial-at-sea ceremony on board nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise and embarked Carrier Air Wing One (CVW 1) are underway on a scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Octavio N. Ortiz (RELEASED)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 16, 2007) - Sailors attached to the honor guard aboard nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), practice a gun salute during a burial-at-sea rehearsal. Enterprise and embarked Carrier Airwing (CVW) 1 are underway on a scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Octavio N. Ortiz (RELEASED)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 16, 2007) - The honor guard aboard nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) rehearses for a burial at sea. Enterprise and embarked Carrier Airwing (CVW) 1 are underway on a scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Octavio N. Ortiz (RELEASED)

Big E Conducts Burial at Sea Ceremony
7/19/2007
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jamica C. Johnson, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Enterprise (CVN 65) (Big E) Sailors and Marines held a burial at sea ceremony on the ship’s number four elevator July 17.

The ceremony was performed by Capt. O.P. Honors, the executive officer, with religious amenities given by Enterprise chaplains, Cmdr. Mark Logid, Lt. Cmdr. Alan Wilmot and Lt. Ulysses Ubalde.

The cremated remains of 15 veterans and three dependants were laid to rest as Enterprise continued its transit toward the Mediterranean.

The ceremony was especially momentous for one Enterprise Sailor, Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Theodore J. Marion, who laid his mother to rest during the ceremony.

“Before I came in the Navy it was one of my mother’s wishes to have her ashes spread out to sea. I talked to my father and he was happy that I followed my mothers' wishes,” said Marion.

The ceremony was held in traditional military burial standards, including a 21-gun salute, the passing of the Ensign and a detail of 30 Sailors.

All who volunteered were more than honored to be able to serve in such a prestigious observance.

“This was my first burial at sea; it was a great honor and a very solemn occasion. I treat it as a privilege to be involved,” said Lt. C.J. Kreier.

The families of those honored will be presented with a letter from the captain, a chart listing the latitude and longitude of where the remains were committed, and still photos and a DVD recording of the ceremony.