3. If a common carrier is available only part of the way to the place designated by the PNOK, then funeral coach service may be used for the remaining portion of the transportation authorized
4. If the cost is not in excess of the common carrier cost
5. As a continuation of common carrier service when remains are consigned directly to a national cemetery or a Navy cemetery or plot, and the cemetery cannot provide transportation from the terminal to the cemetery
6. From the common carrier terminal at destination to the funeral establishment, and delivery to the local cemetery or crematory
7. When requested by the NOK and they defray costs in excess of the method that would have been used by the Government
8. When the use of a common carrier service will involve extended layover and this method will expedite the arrival
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. 13-8