GEORGE ROONEY

Letter to Arlene Rooney:
The remains of your late husband, GMC George Rooney, United States Navy, were committed to the sea as requested. The remains were brought to USS SIDES on May 12, 2000, while in port at Naval Station San Diego, at the direction of the Commander at the Naval Medical Center, San Diego, CA.
USS SIDES departed Naval Station San Diego at 1330 on May 15, 2000, for deployment to the Western Pacific to conduct exercises in support of our Nation’s commitment to freedom of the seas. Your husband spent many years in service to his country, and it was a fitting choice that he be buried from the deck of a proud ship so employed.
The burial at sea ceremony took place on the ship's after deck on May 16, 2000, at 0800. Conforming to naval tradition, the ship was slowed, colors displayed at half mast, and the participating officers and crew were paraded in summer white uniform. The morning was cool, with a 65-degree temperature and slight winds and seas. Under these favorable conditions, both the religious and military ceremonies were conducted with dignity and solemnity. The ship's Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Donald Davis Jr., U.S. Naval Reserve, was the military commander of the ceremony. SIDES' Lay Leader, Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Dennis Kelly, U.S. Navy, performed the religious ceremony and the committal. A seven-member rifle squad, urn bearers and an eighteen-man honor platoon were formed from the crew of USS SIDES.
Cartridges from the twenty- one gun salute and the United States flag used in the ceremony are now presented to you. In addition, a chart excerpt, showing the location of the ship at the time of the ceremony, is included.
The officers and crew of USS SIDES are proud and honored to have had an opportunity to participate in your late husband's committal ceremony. It was our privilege to be able to assist you. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me. Please accept my warmest regards and deepest sympathy.
Survivors include four stepchildren, Bill Campbell, Waukon, Mary Schofield, New Albin, Robert Campbell, Waukon, and Perry Campbell, Aurora, CO; and a brother, Cletus Rooney, also of Waukon.