Dear Mr. Rosick: (Ben's Nephew)

The cremains of your uncle, Private Bernard Bastura were committed to the sea following your request.

The cremains were brought to the ship on August 1, 2003 while in port at Groton, Connecticut. We departed at 1000 on August 4, 2003 to conduct training exercises in preparation for our nation's commitment to freedom of the seas.

The burial act at sea ceremonies took place on the ship's deck on August 4, 2003 at 1638 hours and, conforming to naval tradition, the ship was stopped, colors displayed at half-mast. The afternoon was hazy but calm with 83-degree temperature and with slight winds and seas. Under these favorable conditions, both the religious and military ceremonies were conducted with dignity and solemnity. I conducted both the military and religious ceremony and then the committal.

Enclosed you will find a shell casing from the gun salute, the flag and a chart showing the location of the ship at the time of committal.

The officers and crew of the USS Dallas are proud and honored by the privilege to participate. Please accept my personal warm regards and sincerest sympathy in your great loss.

Sincerely,

CHARLES D. SYKORA
Commander, United States Navy
Commanding Officer, USS DALLAS (SSN 700)