US Navy officer’s remains brought home

CEBU, Philippines - The cremated remains of the US Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Albertson Almase and his sister, Kristina, arrived in Cebu yesterday from Florida, USA, and were officially turned over by the US Navy to the family at the St. Peter's Chapel along New Imus Road, Cebu City.

The deceased, grandchildren of Cebu-based lawyer Teodoro Almase, were both killed in a car accident in Florida last April 3.

There was a small ceremony yesterday for the official turnover of the urn containing the remains by Senior Chief James Sharpe to Atty. Sylvia Almase-Suarez, their aunt, and to their father Albert Almase.

In a statement, the Almase family acknowledged the US Navy for going above and beyond to transport the remains to the Philippines.

They said the US Navy showed great compassion and really took care of one of their own, in Albertson and his sister Kristina.

The family also said it was grateful to Captain Jack Sotherland, Senior Chief Sharpe and Chief Petty Officer Tom Hoban who escorted the remains, and the officers and men of the USS Fitzgerald, a guided missile destroyer.

"We the family of Albertson and Kristina are deeply saddened by their untimely passing. Yet, we prefer to celebrate their lives, and remember them as they lived," their official statement read.

Albertson, known as "Butchoy" spent a number of years at Cebu Doctor's University taking up Physical Therapy before deciding to join the US Navy in 2008 like his father, retired Senior Chief Albert Almase.

Albertson rose to the rank of 2nd Class Petty Officer and was well-respected among his peers and seniors.

Kristina was described by the family as a thoughtful, selfless young woman who was also not afraid to speak her mind.

"She was fond of saying that when everyone is happy, she's happy. She made lasting relationships wherever she lived and had countless friends, all of whom remember her very fondly," the family said.

The great love in Tina's life was her daughter, Kirsten, only four years old.

Aside from being siblings, both Albertson and Kristina were also best friends. Their father recalls the time when Albertson's ship came to Manila and Kristina, who had not seen him for a few months, went to visit him on board even though she was running a high fever.

Similarly, the servicemen of the USS Fitzgerald remembered the times when Kristina stayed with Albertson on the ship when he was off duty.

"Given their deep connection to each other in life, it is fitting, although unfortunate, that they enter the afterlife together," the family said.

Albertson, being a member of the US Navy, will be given a US military funeral on Thursday at the Cebu Evergreen Memorial Park in Talisay City.

There will be a Mass at 9:30 a.m. at the St. Peter's Chapel and the funeral will follow at noon.

Suarez said that at least seven members of the US Navy will come to Cebu in order to participate in the service. —/BRP (FREEMAN)