US Senator John McCain Buried At Naval Academy

A military honour guard led the casket of the late US Senator John McCain (Image: PA).

Senator John McCain's final journey ended on Sunday at the US Naval Academy alongside a lifelong friend.

A horse-drawn caisson carrying the senator's casket led a procession of mourners from the academy's chapel to its cemetery following a private service.

The senator's widow, Cindy McCain, and his children were among those who walked behind the caisson.

Joining them were family and friends as well as members of Sen McCain's Class of 1958 and military leaders.

The US Navy band played marches along the way and several hundred Naval Academy midshipmen lined the path.

A flyover of military aircraft in "missing man" formation honoured the Navy pilot who was shot down over Vietnam and held more than five years as a prisoner of war.

After the American flag was removed from the casket, a grieving Cindy McCain pressed her cheek to its surface and McCain sons Jimmy and Jack shared a hug.

Defence Secretary Jim Mattis presented flags to Cindy McCain and Roberta McCain, the senator's 106-year-old mother.

The burial was private as per the wishes of Sen McCain, the Arizona Republican and 2008 presidential nominee, who died August 25 from brain cancer at age 81.

Those offering tributes or readings during the funeral service included Senator Lindsey Graham, McCain sons Jack and Douglas, former CIA director General David Petraeus, and Mark Salter - Sen McCain's longtime co-author.

Gen Petraeus described Sen McCain:

"Great courage, unshakeable determination, and unwavering devotion to our country and those who defend it."

Jack McCain said: "He fought hard, obstinately, exuberantly because he liked to fight, but more importantly, because he believed in what he was fighting for."

He later added, "My father fought and suffered, endured defeats, rose from the ground and fought again to keep faith with his heroes, to safeguard the country he loved and her causes, to be a better man, and to make a better world."

As the hearse carrying Sen McCain passed through a gate and into the academy, there was loud applause from the several hundred people lining the street.

Many held their hands over their hearts and waved American flags. Some shouted, "God bless you."

People in the crowd held signs that read "Senator John McCain Thanks For Serving! Godspeed" and "Rest In Peace Maverick."

For his final resting place, Sen McCain picked the historic site overlooking the Severn River, not Arlington National Cemetery, where his father and grandfather, both admirals, were buried.

He is now resting alongside former admiral Chuck Larson - after writing in a memoir that he wanted to be buried next to his friend.