On September 4, 1974, in one of the Cold War’s most secretive and somber moments, the United States Navy held a burial at sea for the remains of Soviet sailors recovered from the sunken submarine K-129. The submarine had mysteriously disappeared in March 1968, northwest of Hawaii, with all 98 crew members aboard. Years later, the U.S. covertly recovered part of the wreck during the highly classified Project Azorian, an ambitious operation carried out by the CIA using the specially constructed ship Glomar Explorer.

Though the mission’s primary goal was to recover Soviet technology and intelligence, the remains of six sailors were found during the operation. In an unexpected act of respect and humanity, the U.S. Navy held a solemn burial at sea, with full military honors. A rare 14 minute video recording of the ceremony—later declassified—shows the moving tribute as the bodies were committed to the deep.

Jim Reeb, who served as the Russian translator during the ceremony, played a key role in ensuring that the service honored the sailors in their native language. His presence added a deeply personal touch to the gesture, helping bridge a profound divide between Cold War adversaries, if only for a moment.

The burial remains a powerful reminder of shared humanity amid global tension, captured in a hauntingly respectful ceremony now preserved on film.

00:01 – Burial preparations

1:26 – The ceremony will now begin.

1:28 – Attention to the national anthems of the United States and the Soviet Union

1:34- 5:09 Both national anthems are played.

5:11 – This service is being conducted to honor Victor Lokhov, Vladimir Kostyushko, Valentn Nosachef and three other unidentified Soviet submariners who perished in March of 1968 in the North Pacific Ocean when their ship suffered a casualty of unknown origin. In a very real way, this ceremony has resulted from the continuing contentions between our two nations. Their casualty happened at a time when they were engaged in activities which they deemed to be in their national interests and protection.  Their bodies have come into our possession some six years later through activities on behalf of our country which we feel fit the same criteria.  The fact that our nations have had disagreements does not lessen in any way our respect for them and  the service they have rendered and so as we return their mortal remains to the deep we do so in a way that we hope would have had meaning to them enclosed with a representative portion of the ship on which they served and perished.

As long as men and nations are suspicious of each other instruments of war will be constructed and brave men will die as these men have died in the service of their country.  Today, we honor these six men, their shipmates, and all men who give their lives in patriotic service.  May the day quickly come when men will beat their swards into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks and nation shall not rise up against nation neither shall there be war any more.

7:23 – We know neither the exact burial at sea ceremony of the Soviet Navy or  the specific desires of what form of service these men might have desired. Accordingly, we have constructed a ceremony which we believe to be the closest approaching to the actual Soviet ceremony. Our intent is to preserve the meaning and symbolism of such a solemn occasion. In addition, the United States Navy ceremony for the burial of the dead at sea will follow.

8:07 – Eternal Father, we who go down to the sea in ships are ever in search of a safe haven at the end of the journey.  The officers and me of this ill-fated USSR submarine, pendant number 722 whom we honor here today have reached their journey’s end To you, we entrust them that they might find peace and contentment in their repose.

8:37 – Jim Reeb translates

9:12 – We therefore commit these crew members of this ship to a proper resting place to join the Valhalla of sea heroes who have gone before them. We commit their remains to the deep looking for the resurrection of the body when the sea shall give up her dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

9:39 – Jim Reeb translates

10:06 – I am the resurrection and the life, sayeth the Lord: he that believeth in me though he were dead yet shall he live and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall have everlasting life.

10:24 – Jim Reeb translates

10:42 – Let us pray. Oh God, whose mercies cannot be numbered, accept our prayers on behalf of the souls of our departed servants. Grant them an entrance into the land of light and joy in the fellowship of their saints. Amen.

11:05 – Jim Reeb translates

11:28 – At this time, please close the doors to the vault.

12:19 – Commence the hoist.

12:27 – Unto almighty God, we command the souls of these departed Soviet sailors and we commit their bodies to the sea. In this sure and certain hope of the resurrection on eternal life. Amen.

12:43 Jim Reeb translates

1303 – May the Lord bless you and keep you.  May the Lord makes His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen.

13:21 – Jim Reeb translates

13:47 – This concludes the ceremony.

Jim Reeb passed away March 28, 2025. Thank you for your service Shipmate!