LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Recall procedures for preparing and processing remains.

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. 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.

INITIAL PREPARATION
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 to 40F (2.2 to 4.4C).

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 CINCPACINST 5360.1, Geographic Responsibilities for Mortuary Operations. Also consult NAVMEDCOMINST5360.1 for locations of overseas mortuaries.

When death occurs in overseas areas not served by facilities listed in NAVMEDCOMINST 5360.1, request assistance from the senior naval command. In some areas, Department of State sources may have the capability to render advice or assistance. The senior naval command may also be able to arrange airlift of style="mso-spacerun: yes"> 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 CONUSpoint 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 delays in providing further transfer within CONUS. Additionally, at least two DD Form 565, Statement of Recognition, should be included.

BURIAL CLOTHING
The service dress blue uniform or (if this uniform is not available for 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 should also be procured when required or requested. These items may 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, the U.S. port of entry should be contacted and given estimated uniform sizes, as soon as possible, so burial clothing can be purchased. Funding for uniform items is noted in NAVMEDCOMINST 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 individual's 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 should be taken to ensure maintenance of position during transit.

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 x 81 inches (63.5 cm x 2.06 m).

INSPECTION OF REMAINS
After processing or reprocessing and before shipment, all remains should be inspected in accordance with NAVMEDCOMINST 5360.1. The decedent affairs officer (DAO) is responsible for expediting arrangements for transportation. As such, personnel should be available at all times, including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, to perform inspections. Before acceptance, the inspector must make sure that all services and supplies meet current specifications.