OVERSEAS FACILITIES
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.
CERTIFICATE OF DEATH (OVERSEAS)
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.
BURIAL CLOTHING
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 These items will be withdrawn from the deceased’s personal effects or purchased from the Navy Exchange, Navy Retail Clothing Store, or Marine Corps Clothing Store.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.
PLACEMENT OF REMAINS IN CASKET OR TRANSFER CASE
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.
CASKETS
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).
INSPECTION OF REMAINS
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.
