Navy, Marine Corps chaplain joins mortuary mission

  • Published
  • By Christin Michaud
  • Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  For the first time since Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations stood up, a Navy chaplain has officially been assigned to support the mission.

Navy Ch. (Lt. Cmdr.) Charles Rowley is assigned to the Office of the Chaplain of the Marine Corps. He is supporting the mortuary mission for a two-year tour. Department of the Navy chaplains are unique because they serve both the Navy and Marines.

A native of Virginia Beach, Va., Chaplain Rowley has served in the Navy for 14 years.
He's bringing his experience to the mortuary as part of a new understanding. The Office of the Chaplain of the Marine Corps and AFMAO recently established a Memorandum of Agreement allowing a Navy chaplain to serve on the staff.

His primary mission here is to provide pastoral support and care for Navy and Marine Corps families who have lost a loved one.

Chaplain Rowley said he makes it a point to pass on to the families he meets the commitment and respect given to their loved ones behind the scenes.

"I'm always impressed with the commitment and dedication of the staff," he said.

Joining the chaplaincy in the mortuary gives the chaplains an opportunity to meld and share in the experience with one another, he explained.

Air Force Ch. (Lt. Col.) Dennis Saucier, AFMAO chaplain branch chief, said the addition was significant in the one-team, one-fight concept as they continue to do the nation's business.

"The fact that there is a tri-service presence allows representation for the Navy and Marine Corps, Army and Air Force," he explained.

Together, they provide care, service and support to the families of America's fallen servicemembers.