Naval Education and Training Command: Hospital Corpsman 1 & C: August 1986
References
The Decedent Affairs Program consists of the search, recovery, identification, care, and disposition of remains of deceased personnel for whom the Department of the Navy is responsible.
The Medical Department or the Medical Department representative is usually called on to assist with the functions prescribed above for deaths occurring within its area of responsibility.
Large medical treatment facilities and commands usually appoint a decedent affairs officer. However, the Navy has a significant number of small independent operational units that are inherently hazardous and have a responsibility for a number of personnel. It is for this reason that senior corpsmen, especially those on independent duty, must have a working knowledge of decedent affairs procedures as promul- gated in BUMEDINST 5360.1, Decedent Affairs Manual. This reference should therefore be consulted for specific procedures and requirements.
Deceased personnel who are the responsibility of the Navy are cared for in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy and Marine Corps. The Decedent Affairs Program can best be termed as "high visibility." Survivors of the deceased are provided the highest level of compassionate services and are given all possible consideration within the limits of existing statutes and directives. Recovery and identification must be accomplished as rapidly as possible consistent with the highest standards of professional care. Information must be released as quickly as possible to the next of kin (NOK) and minimum time should elapse between death and the return of remains. The services' death programs are coordinated at the departmental level within the Department of Defense to assure uniformity in procedures.
The Casualty Assistance Calls Program (CACP) is administered by the Commander, Naval Military Personnel Command (COMNAVMILPERSCOM) and the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC). Although integrally related, the CACP is not identified as part of the Decedent Affairs Program. The CACP details a Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO), usually an officer (although senior enlisted personnel may be used), to personally contact the NOK. The CACO assists the NOK with items ranging from the disposition of remains and survivor benefits, to obtaining the rights and privileges that the NOK of active duty members or active and inactive duty for training members are entitled.
The Navy and Marine Corps Casualty Assistance Calls Programs are operated differently. The individual service instructions noted below should be consulted for specifics.
This part of the overall Decedent Affairs Program provides professional mortuary services, supplies, and related services incident to the care and disposition of remains of persons eligible for these services. The program is operational on a worldwide basis during peacetime and may continue to exist in an area of conflict during major military operations, depending on the tactical situation and logistical support capability.
This program combines the Current Decedent Affairs Program and Graves Registration (GR) Program. It may be activated to support large numbers of military personnel committed to a strategic area. In the initial phase, it originates as GR, providing search, recovery, and evacuation of remains to a processing point. It terminates in Current Decedent Affairs Program functions, requiring identification and preparation of remains in a mortuary and shipment to a final destination designated by the NOK. The Concurrent Return Program may be phased into either the Current Decedent Affairs Program or GR Program as the situation dictates. Remains buried in temporary cemeteries (under the GR Program or in emergencies) may be disinterred and evacuated under the Concurrent Return Program if conditions and capabilities permit.
When the tactical situation permits, remains will be returned to the NOK as expeditiously as possible, consistent with the proper care of remains and availability of transportation.
The GR Program provides for the search, recovery, evacuation, initial identification, and burial in temporary cemeteries when the tactical situation does not permit concurrent return. It is only operational when authorized by the responsible commander during major military operations. When necessary, the GR Program includes the establishment and maintenance of temporary burial sites for later disinterment, preparation, and transportation to the place designated by the NOK. Operational details of the program are contained in NAVMED P-5016/ NAVMC 2509-A, Handling of Deceased Personnel in Theaters of Operations.
This program can only be activated upon the enactment of special legislation. It provides for permanent disposition of remains of those persons buried in temporary cemeteries who could not be evacuated under the Concurrent Return Program. The special legislation could authorize the establishment of one or more permanent American cemeteries in the overseas area and give the NOK the option of having the remains buried therein or shipped to another place of his or her choosing. Within the Navy, the COMNAVMEDCOM will advise field activities of the activation of a Return of Remains Program.
Navy and Marine Corps members who expire while serving on active duty or active and inactive duty for training and who have not been dropped from the rolls of their organizations prior to their demise are entitled to Decedent Affairs Program benefits. Generally, all persons under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Navy are entitled to some decedent benefits, i.e., bona fide dependents, retirees, and civilian employees who are TDY within CONUS or employed overseas. For details see BUMEDINST 5360.1.
As soon as possible after it is determined that a casualty has occurred, submit casualty report in accordance with MILPERSMAN 4210100. When death occurs, the "Personnel Casualty Report (Death), Report Symbol NMPC 1770-4 Officer/Enlisted," is required. For missing personnel, the report is entitled "Personnel Casualty Report (Missing/Missing in action), Report Symbol NMPC 1770-4 Officer/Enlisted."
A personnel casualty report is required on all members of the Navy, retired members, certain former members, certain dependents, other members of the Armed Forces, civilians serving with or attached to Navy commands who become casualties, and others whose deaths occur on naval reservations or aboard ships.
Personnel casualty reports will be submitted by the commander, commanding officer, immediate superior in command of the member, or by the command or activity that learns of a casualty occurring to a member while he or she is in the command's area and away from the regular duty station or en route between duty stations. The member's command shall supplement the personnel casualty report that was previously submitted by another command on those members reported as casualties while away from their regular duty station.
Submit all personnel casualty reports by priority message.
If the decedent was a Marine Corps member, follow the notification procedures and message formats contained in the Marine Corps Casualty Procedures Manual. Ensure that the OMA serving the geographic region where death occurs is notified for coordination and contractural arrangements.
In cases of death, personal notification (a personal visit by a uniformed Navy representative) will be made between 0600 and 2200, except under unusual circumstances (e.g., the news media is expected to make a press release or the member has been hospitalized in serious or very serious condition within CONUS and the NOK is already aware of the prognosis).
Within CONUS, it is the responsibility of the member's commanding officer to ensure that personal notification is made. Outside CONUS, the COMNAVMILPERSCOM will ensure that personal notification is made through the appropriate senior commander overseas.
Each notification, via other than telegram, must be confirmed by a telegram unless the primary NOK (PNOK) or secondary NOK (SNOK) has specifically stated that written confirmation is not desired. This follow-up notification should take place within 24 hours of the personal notification.
See MILPERSMAN 4210100 for examples of basic telegram formats for notification and confirmation of death. The formats are presented for guidance only and rigid adherence is not required; however, the formats should not be unnecessarily altered.
With the exception of personnel missing in action or those cases in which the PNOK or SNOK is criminally charged in the member's death, COs will write a letter to the appropriate NOK within 48 hours of the casualty. The letter, in addition to expressions of condolence, should contain appropriate details of the casualty; however, no details should be included that are likely to aggravate or distress the NOK. A copy of the letter must be sent to the COMNAVMILPERSCOM and OJAG (Investigations Division).
An autopsy will be performed on the remains of all persons who die on active duty or active duty for training when the CO deems it necessary. The CO's request may be self-initiated or based upon the recommendation of an investigating officer, other fact-finding body, or a medical officer. An autopsy may be necessary to determine the true cause of death, to get information for completing military records, or to protect the welfare of the military community.
The Manual of the Medical Department states that when an aircrew member dies while serving as an aircrew member on a military aircraft, the medical officer will recommend to the CO that an autopsy be performed to determine the cause of death. The cause of death in these cases is interpreted to mean any correlation between pathological evidence and the accident cause factor.
When an autopsy is desired but not mandatory, the following sentence will be incorporated in the casualty notification message that requests disposition instructions from the PNOK. "In the interest of medical science and to confirm medical diagnosis, it is requested that your telegram include whether or not permission is granted to accomplish mortem examination. "
When an autopsy is deemed necessary for retired personnel or nonmilitary persons who die at a naval treatment facility or on a Navy installation, written authorization from the NOK must be obtained prior to performing the autopsy. The request for permission to perform an autopsy should be incorporated in the casualty notification message as noted above.
The search, recovery, and identification of remains should be accomplished as soon as possible and should be in coordination with an administrative fact-finding body. Normally, the need for these operations will result from acts of violence, such as an aircraft accident, fire, explosion, or natural disaster. The Manual of the Judge Advocate General (JAGMAN) requires the convening of an administrative fact-finding body when incidents of this nature occur. This responsibility is usually delegated to a naval activity with necessary capabilities at or near the scene of disaster. In establishing identification of remains, the conducting of search and recovery operations is part of the fact-finding body's functions, with technical assistance furnished by appropriate medical authorities.
Every effort will be made to ensure that all remains have been recovered. Commingled masses of unidentified remains will not be separated arbitrarily. All anatomical portions of human remains recovered from the scene of a disaster subsequent to release of remains will be reported to the COMNAVMEDCOM by priority message. All factual information available will be provided. Do not release information to the NOK, family, or news media unless specific instructions are received from the COMNAVMEDCOM.
When search, recovery, and identification operations continue for more than 36 hours, chronological progress reports will be dispatched every 24 hours to the COMNAVMEDCOM, with the appropriate information addressees directed by BUMEDINST 5360.1.
When the CO is satisfied that identification is established beyond doubt and documented accordingly, the remains may be considered identified. A minimum of two statements of recognition substantiated by dental and/or fingerprint comparison or intact remains will substantiate identification requirements.
The COMNAVMEDCOM will establish final conclusions and take action required for final disposition of these remains if shipped from outside CONUS to CONUS. Disposition of unidentified remains will be directed by the COMNAVMEDCOM or the CMC as appropriate.
Final conclusions will result in one of the following determinations after a thorough study of all evidence.
When an autopsy of remains is required or requested, the identification specialist will coordinate the accomplishment to be subsequent to or simultaneous with the identification processing. This will preclude delay and ensure that methods of identification may be included in the autopsy protocol.
Personal effects found on or with remains, after having served all identification purposes, will be disposed of in accordance with current instructions contained in the NAVSUP Manual or MARCORCASPROCMAN, as appropriate.
All remains, except those that have been positively identified and are anatomically complete, will require additional study and processing by an identification specialist. The COMNAVMEDCOM may be requested to provide an identification specialist to visit the activity and make a complete review, to assure that all possible techniques, methods and procedures have been used to permit individual, positive identification. The CMC will be an information addressee when members of the Marine Corps are or may be involved. When members of other services are involved, the COMNAVMEDCOM must be notified by priority message to ensure immediate interdepartmental coordination. Refer to BUMEDINST 5360.1
Mortuary services for the remains of individuals eligible for Decedent Affairs Program benefits within CONUS are provided by naval activities through:
Annual contracts and individual purchase orders may be issued for primary expenses only and does not include any secondary expenses. The below definitions apply.
Primary Expenses-Expenses incurred in connection with the recovery, preparation, and encasement of remains, including but not limited to expenses incurred for recovery, removal, embalming, casket, shipping case, cremation, inurnment, clothing, and delivery of the remains to a common carrier terminal, a local cemetery, or crematorium.
Secondary Expenses-Expenses incurred in connection with the funeral and burial of remains, including but not limited to expenses incurred for funeral coach, transportation of relatives to the cemetery, single gravesite, vault, funeral director's services, clergyman's services, opening and closing grave, floral tribute, and obituary notices.
The NOK should be tactfully encouraged to allow the Navy to make all primary care arrangements, since greater benefits can be furnished through our procedures. For full information concerning procedures and authorized items, refer to BUMEDINST 5360.1.
It is imperative that preservative treatment be initiated as soon as possible after death. The naval authority with decedent affairs responsibility should maintain close coordination with appropriate military or civilian authorities to ensure the prompt release and delivery of remains to the mortuary facility. All remains must be prepared under approved high standards of the mortuary profession and returned to the final destination in their most normal and lifelike appearance.
Remains may be refrigerated for short periods pending arrival of a transportation vessel or arrival of the government embalmer. To minimize cellular deterioration, remains should be refrigerated above the freezing point at 36 degrees to 40 degrees F or 2.2 degrees to 4.4 degrees C.
Government mortuary facilities are located in various overseas areas and have the responsibility to furnish mortuary services for all eligible categories of military and civilian personnel. The geographical areas of responsibility are outlined in the CINPACINST 5360.1 and CINCUSNAVEURINST 5360.1 series. Refer to BUMEDINST 5360.1 for locations of overseas mortuaries.
When death occurs in overseas areas not served by facilities listed in BUMEDINST 5360.1, request assistance from the senior naval command. In some areas, Department of State sources may have a capability to render advice or assistance. The senior naval command may also be able to arrange airlift of remains from the place of death to a point where a government mortuary or a commercial facility is available, or arrange for emergency dispatch of a qualified embalmer from an overseas government mortuary to the place of death.
When remains are transferred from an overseas activity to a CONUS point of entry, three signed copies of DD Form 2064, Certificate of Death (Overseas), must accompany the remains. Failure to include the DD form 2064 may cause serious delays in providing further transfer within CONUS. Additionally, at least two different DD Forms 565, Statement of Recognition, should be included.
The service dress blue uniform, or if not available for Marine Corps deceased personnel, the appropriate winter service dress uniform with authorized insignia, devices, badges, decorations, underwear, and hose are the only approved items for burial unless other items are specifically requested by the NOK. Shoes and headgear shall also be procured when required or requested. These items will be withdrawn from the deceased's personal effects or purchased from the Navy Exchange, Navy Retail Clothing Store, or Marine Corps Clothing Store. When not available through these sources, procurement through commercial sources is authorized. When suitable items are not available for personnel who die outside the 48 contiguous United States, that information along with size estimates will be furnished to the U.S. port of entry as soon as possible in order that port personnel may expeditiously obtain these items, using the fund sites noted in BUMEDINST 5360.1.
When requested by the NOK, remains may be attired in a white uniform or civilian clothing consisting of appropriate outer clothing, underwear, hose, and if specifically requested, shoes. Items of clothing in the individuals possession at the time of death should be used if available and in satisfactory condition.
Normally remains are placed in a specification casket or transfer case in a manner that will create an appearance of rest and composure. Precautions will be taken to ensure maintenance of position during transit.
When death was the result of a contagious or communicable disease, the remains, after embalming, will be immediately placed in a transfer case or specification casket. The transfer case or casket will be immediately closed and a 2 x 4 inch (5.0 x 10.0 cm) gummed label marked "CONTAGIOUS," will be affixed to the outside of the receptacle at the head end. Caskets should be tagged as nonviewable remains.
Each remains returned in a transfer case will be wrapped in a white cotton sheet plus a second wrapping in a polyethylene cover and sealed with pressure sensitive tape or heat sealed.
There are two sizes of caskets. Each is an 18 gauge Silvertone metal sealer with a cut top. The standard size casket has internal dimensions of 23 x 78 inches (58.4 cm x 1.98 m) while the oversize casket has internal dimensions of 25 by 81 inches (63.5 cm x 2.06 m).
After processing or reprocessing and prior to shipment, all remains will be inspected in accordance with BUMEDINST 5360.1. The decedent affairs officer (DAO) is responsible for expediting arrangements for transportation. As such, personnel will be available at all times including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays to perform inspections. Prior to acceptance, the inspector must ensure that all services and supplies meet current specifications.
When requested in writing and/or by telegram, cremation is authorized subject to compliance with civil regulations. No overt action by naval authorities should be made to encourage the NOK to elect cremation. Cremation will not be permitted if any question exists concerning an individual's legal right to direct dispostion of the remains. Refer to BUMEDINST 5360.1.
Any CO who receives a request for at sea disposition of remains or cremains will forward the request to the appropriate fleet commander in chief (CINC) and to the OMA of the area where the requested port of embarkation is located. Cognizant CINCs are authorized to designate activities to accept remains or cremains on a "not to interfere basis." The OMA will coordinate the arrangements. Upon receipt of authorization, the date of committal or dispersion will be determined by the availability of resources. Except under unusual circumstances, civilian personnel will not be authorized to attend services aboard naval ships at sea or aboard naval aircraft. Exceptions that cannot be resolved at the dele- gated authority level will be referred to the CNO for final determination. Refer to BUMEDINST 5360.1 for eligibility and specifics.
When the mortician is unable to arrest the odor of remains, they will not be accepted for burial at sea. The odor generated from such remains will detract from the dignity of the ceremony and will have a detrimental effect on the officers and men of the vessel. Cremated putrified remains (cremains) may be accepted.
Since civilians are not normally allowed to attend ceremonies aboard naval ships or aircrafts, photographs, a letter describing the ceremonies, and the flag will be provided to the NOK in accordance with BUMEDINST 5360.1.
The activity arranging transportation has the responsibility to provide expeditious transportation and a confirmed schedule as soon as possible by whatever methods meet the requirements. Consideration should be given to any special desires of the NOK, including releasing the remains for transportation that they may wish to provide.
Remains may only be consigned to a funeral director, the director or superintendent of a national cemetery, or the consignee designated by the COMNAVMEDCOM for unclaimed remains. In addition to the above consignees, cremains may be consigned to the PNOK or person designated by the PNOK.
Government air is not authorized within CONUS without approval of the CNO (OP-414). If it is felt circumstances dictate government air, the COMNAVMEDCOM should be contacted for guidance and assistance.
Commercial air may be supplemented by either rail or funeral coach transportation. An escort must travel with the remains. If delays en route or changes in schedule occur, the escort must notify the installation arranging the transportation and the consignee.
Chartered air taxi service may be authorized when commercial air is not available to the destination and the use of a funeral vehicle or rail would cause undue delay.
This method may be used:
Cremains of active duty military personnel will be hand carried by an escort, using commercial air, rail, a funeral director's vehicle, or other appropriate vehicle. When an escort is not authorized, i.e., nonactive duty members, remains may be transported by registered mail (preferred), air, or surface transportation.
Such remains will be prepared as previously stated and shall meet local requirements. In all localities, the same diseases are not classified as communicable or contagious; accordingly, consult civil health authorities to determine requirements. Ensure that the consignment message specifically states that death was due to a communicable or contagious disease.
Remains of eligible decedents who die outside the 48 contiguous United States will be transported by the most expeditious U.S. government means; normally government air (MAC flights) are used. If such transportation is not available, impractical, or would cause undue delay, commercial air may be authorized by the COMNAVMEDCOM.
When persons eligible for decedent affairs benefits are consigned to a destination outside the 48 contiguous United States, the activity responsible for preparation and transportation will contact the nearest consul of the country concerned to ascertain the requirements for entry, and assure that all requirements are met prior to arranging transportation of the remains. Failure to do so will lead to serious delays. Three certified copies of the civilian certificate of death will be procured to accompany the remains.
Escorts are provided to accompany remains to ensure prompt, safe delivery, as a mark of respect to the decedent, and as an indication of the Navy's desire to help the NOK. Only one escort is authorized; however, more than one may be assigned if not used concurrently. Problems concerning arrangements for a Navy escort that cannot be resolved by the responsible command should be referred to the OMA within CONUS or the area commander outside CONUS. All problems concerning Marine Corps members will be referred to CMC.
Within CONUS, escorts will be detailed to accompany the remains or cremains of each Navy and Marine Corps decedent to the final destination. Arranging for escorts is the responsibility of the activity arranging transportation. This may be coordinated with the last duty station of the deceased.
When remains are consigned to a place outside CONUS where Armed Forces representatives or other government officials are not available to receive, transfer, or otherwise assist in transportation arrangements, military escorts will be provided.
Unless a special escort is requested by the PNOK and approved by the COMNAVMEDCOM, remains transported by MAC aircraft from a point outside CONUS to a CONUS port of entry will not be accompanied by an escort. The aircraft commander will act as the escort during the time of transport by MAC aircraft. An escort will be detailed by the military activity responsible for transportation arrangements at the CONUS port of entry.
Any Navy member on active duty may serve as an escort. Navy members who volunteer may be accepted if they meet the criteria for selection of a regular escort. Unless a special escort is requested by the NOK, the escort selected should be of the same branch of service, status, and paygrade of the deceased. The escort should be a friend of the deceased, from the same unit, and preferably of the same religion.
All requests for special escorts must be referred to the COMNAVMEDCOM. A special escort is defined as a person requested specifically by the PNOK or by his or her representative, or a person assigned by an appropriate command because unusual circumstances prevail and such assignment is considered in the best interest of the naval service.
If desired by the PNOK, a civilian or member of another service may be assigned as a special escort. An escort in retired or inactive status should be treated as a civilian. All military special escorts are assigned subject to availability as determined by their CO and, unless closely related to the deceased, generally are not authorized outside CONUS.
A naval escort is a representative of the Navy who will be required to perform services of a very special and personal nature. It is very important that these duties are thoroughly explained to the escort. Providing instructions to the escort is the responsiblity of the command arranging for transportation of the remains. The Manual for Escorts of Deceased Naval Personnel will assist in this function. For additional information, refer to BUMEDINST 5360.1.
The CO will order all personal effects of the deceased to be collected and inventoried, except where the member occupied Government or public housing and the spouse requires no assistance. In the event the spouse dies simultaneously with the service member, the CO will cooperate with surviving relatives of the deceased and civil authorities in providing protection for the property of the deceased.
The CO will appoint an inventory board consisting of two members. Normally, one member is a commissioned officer. The inventory will be recorded on an Inventory of Personal Effects Form, NAVSUP Form 29. An original and four copies will be prepared, duly attested, and signed by the board members. The board will send all five copies with the personal effects to the supply officer for completion, disposition, and signature. The supply officer will return three signed copies. The inventory board will send one copy to the COMNAVMILPERSCOM, file one in the service record of the deceased, and send one to the officer who appointed the board.
A civil certificate of death must be obtained if a death occurs within one of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia. If the death occurs outside these areas, with the exception of Guam, a Certificate of Death (Overseas), DD 2064, must be prepared. (See figures 13-1 and 13-2.) This is in addition to the civil certificate of death; however, the civil certificate of death is not required in all overseas areas. Civil authorities should be consulted to determine local requirements. When a death occurs at a naval activity in any state, territory, or insular possession of the United States, the CO will report the death to civil authorities (usually the coroner or medical examiner). It is a general practice to complete a civil certificate of death for all deaths occurring in naval medical treatment facilities.
The medical officer or Medical Department representative of the ship or station where the deceased was attached will obtain the certificate from the civil authorities. If requested by the authorities, the civil certificate of death may be prepared and signed by a naval officer. If problems arise in getting a certificate, request assistance from the OMA of the geographic region where death occurred. If death occurs abroad and no naval activity is available, the nearest consular officer should be requested to get a certificate. The medical officer or Medical Department representative will prepare and forward a DD 2064 with the civil certificate of death, supporting papers, and the closed Health Record.
In general (except where the state has retained concurrent jurisdiction with the United States), civil authorities have no jurisdiction over deaths occurring on naval reservations. However, a transit or burial permit must be obtained from civil authorities to remove the remains from a naval reservation either for shipment or burial. If death of any person for whom the Department of the Navy is responsible occurs outside the limits of a naval reservation, the remains normally will not be moved until permission has been received from civil authorities.
When a Navy or Marine Corps death occurs in one of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia, follow the local civil requirements. In addition the following apply:
When a Navy or Marine Corps death occurs outside the 50 United States or the District of Columbia, follow the local civil requirements. In addition, a DD 2064 is prepared and copies are distributed as follows:
When death occurs outside CONUS, three signed copies of DD 2064 will accompany the remains to CONUS. When death occurs within CONUS, three certified copies of the civil certificate of death will accompany the remains from CONUS to outside CONUS, in addition to all other forms required by BUMEDINST 5360.1.
NOTE: A certificate of death will not be prepared for persons listed as missing.
Authorized Decedent Affairs Program expenses are chargeable to the special open allotment held by the COMNAVMEDCOM. In circumstances involving reimbursable transactions, costs may also be initially charged to the open allotment subject to reimbursement. The allotment may be charged by any Navy or Marine Corps activity assigned procurement or payment responsibility. Army and Air Force activities may charge the allotment when arranging for authorized supplies and services at the request of a naval activity.
If the NOK makes arrangements for disposition of remains, rather than using services of DOD, or completes funeral arrangments before DOD services are offered, the amounts outlined below are allowed toward incurred expenses. The figures quoted are subject to change, so check the latest series of BUMEDINST 5360.1 for the authorized allowances or contact the COMNAVMEDCOM.
When an Armed Forces contract or mortuary is available (and services were offered to the NOK) but not used, an amount not to exceed what procurement would have cost the Navy is allowed. This includes costs the Navy would have incurred over and above contract expenses.
When an Armed Forces contract or morturary is not available, an amount not to exceed $750 may be paid.
If the NOK arranges for transportation of remains, reimbursement may be made in an amount not to exceed what transportation would have cost the government. If the Navy has arranged for transportation and the final destination cannot be reached by common carrier, reasonable costs may be allowed for supplemental transportation by funeral coach or other vehicle.
The following allowances may be made toward interment expenses incurred by the NOK.
When remains of eligible military personnel, whose determination of death has been made, are nonrecoverable, reimbursement to the PNOK (or designee) may be made for memorial service expenditures. A claim for reimbursement may be allowed if presented within 2 years after notification of the NOK of the date of death. The PNOK must submit receipted invoices or a certified claim in five copies to the OMA for the region in which the memorial service was held. The actual amount or $950, whichever is the lesser, is authorized.
All personnel serving on active duty at the time of their death are eligible for a headstone or marker provided by the VA. At a national cemetery, the director or superintendent will make the arrangements. In naval plots and cemeteries, the Navy will make the arrangements. In other cemeteries, an application shall be submitted to the VA. If a commercial headstone or marker is procured, a limited reimbursement is authorized. A memorial marker may be provided upon request to commemorate the death of a member whose remains were not recovered or buried at sea.
When the Navy has arranged for primary services and transportation, a claim for payment of the supplemental transportation charges may be submitted, by the funeral director at the final destination, to the appropriate OMA.
DD Form 1375, Request for Payment of Funeral and/or Interment Expenses, is provided to the PNOK (or PNOK's designee) to claim reimbursement or payment for primary expenses, transportation, and secondary expenses.
Claims relating to primary expenses and transportation costs to a common carrier terminal for transportation to the final destination will be forwarded to the OMA serving the area where the death occurred.
Claims relating to interment (secondary) allowances and supplemental transportation costs will be forwarded to the OMA serving the area where interment was made.
Area commanders outside CONUS are authorized to make local payment of expenses incurred in areas under their jurisdiction.
Claims in areas outside the jurisdiction of the activities (area commanders) noted in BUMEDINST 5360.1 should be submitted to the COMNAVMEDCOM for resolution.
When the Navy has arranged for primary services and transportation, submit claims for payment or reimbursement of interment costs or supplemental transportation expenses to the OMA serving the area where interment was made or COMNAVMEDCOM, as appropriate.
Activities incurring expenses in connection with disposition of remains of Navy and Marine Corps personnel need not report these expenses to the COMNAVMEDCOM, except when required on DD Form 2062 and DD Form 2063. In arranging for disposition of remains of other services deceased personnel, activities obtaining services and supplies from commercial sources will forward a letter report, MED 5360-3, Report of Disposition and Expenditures-Remains of the Dead, to the service concerned showing the costs for which its funds have been cited.
Except for Arlington National Cemetery, which is under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Army, and a few other exceptions noted in BUMEDINST 5360.1, National Cemeteries are under the jurisdiction of the Chief Memorial Affairs Director, Department of Memorial Affairs, Veterans Administration, Washington, DC.
National cemeteries are broken down into three classifications:
Military honors for interment in national cemeteries are the responsibility of the member's service. Honors for services at Arlington National Cemetery are coordinated by the superintendent of the cemetery with the COMNAVMILPERSCOM or the CMC, as appropriate.
A metal, asphalt, or concrete vault may be procured at the NOK's expense if it is preferred. If the vault is privately procured, the superintendent/director must be notified of the outside dimensions to ensure the proper preparation of the grave. The contractor furnishing the vault must also provide necessary equipment and personnel for placing the vault in the grave prior to the funeral service and for placement of the vault lid after the service.
National cemeteries no longer have facilities for viewing remains and as such, if the NOK desires a viewing prior to interment, the remains must be consigned to a local funeral director.
Unless it can be conclusively proven that extraordinary circumstances exist with respect to the condition of remains, interment in national cemeteries will not be made on Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays.
When remains cannot be individually identified, message reports shall be submitted in accordance with BUMEDINST 5360.1. Departmental action will be taken to designate the collective remains for group interment. Group interments will be made in a national cemetery, within the 50 United States, as close to the midpoint of the two most widely separated homes of records of known deceased individuals involved or as otherwise directed by the program managers. The COMNAVMEDCOM will coordinate with the other services as required.
Unidentified remains will be prepared, wrapped, and placed into the minimum number of caskets possible without overcrowding. Partially segregated but unidentifiable remains will be wrapped separately.
One or more escorts will be provided as long as the number of escorts does not exceed the number of deceased persons.
The PNOK and two blood relatives of each deceased member in a group interment are authorized round trip transportation to the place of interment at government expense.
The ceremonies will be conducted with full military honors and be in accordance with the religious preferences applicable to all denominations represented within the group. Photographs will be provided to the PNOK if desired.
The headstone or headstones will be inscribed with the names of all known deceased personnel.
- NAVMED P-117, Manual of the Medical Department, Chapter 17
- NAVPERS 15560, Naval Military Personnel Manual
- BUMEDINST 5360.1, Decedent Affairs Manual
