NASA photo by Bill Ingalls
Neil Armstrong has been buried at sea.
The cremated remains of the first man to walk on the moon were committed to the Atlantic Ocean from the deck of the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea.
Families are not typically present for this type of burial because they take place from the side of a deployed ship. An exception was made in Armstrong’s case. His wife, brother, sister and sons were on board for this service. Armstrong’s widow, Carol, dropped his ashes into the water after the ceremony.
Photos of Neil Armstrong’s burial follow.
NASA photo by Bill Ingalls
Members of the U.S. Navy ceremonial guard place the urn on the deck of the Philippine Sea.
NASA photo by Bill Ingalls
Carol Armstrong, the wife of Neil Armstrong, and his son Eric “Rick” Armstrong bow their heads during the service before Neil Armstrong’s burial at sea. Carol Armstrong was Armstrong’s second wife; Rick Armstrong is his son from his first marriage.
NASA photo by Bill Ingalls
Gunnar Brunig, Chief Musician for the United States Navy Band, plays taps during the burial at sea service.
NASA photo by Bill Ingalls
Neil Armstrong’s wife Carol, helped by US Navy Lieutenant Commander Paul Nagy, prepares to pour his remains into the Atlantic Ocean.
NASA photo by Bill Ingalls
The 21-gun salute, with seven sailors in dress whites firing three times. No explorer ever deserved it more!
NASA photo by Bill Ingalls
A wider view as the flag is folded during the service.
NASA photo by Bill Ingalls
Capt. Steve Shinego, commanding officer of the Philippine Sea, presents the American flag to Carol Armstrong at the end of the service.
NASA has still more photos on its excellent Flickr photostream.
See our full biography of Neil Armstrong »