Mail Call, Mail Call

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Waters | 200406-N-PI330-0377 ARABIAN GULF (Apr. 6, 2020) Seaman Jerryssa Figueroa sorts mail aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) on April 6, 2020. Vella Gulf is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and the three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Waters/Released)  

ARABIAN GULF

04.07.2020

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew Waters 

Carrier Strike Group 10

ARABIAN GULF- “MAIL CALL, MAIL CALL, SHIP’S POST OFFICE,” rings over the ship’s announcement system. With that announcement, Sailors crowd the passageway around the post office anxiously awaiting their mail.

On April 6 and 7, 2020, the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) received 17 pallets of mail. This was the first time Vella Gulf has received mail since departing for her 2020 deployment.

“One challenge we have run into is COVID-19,” said Lt. j.g. Adrian Tomaneng, the mail officer aboard Vella Gulf. “Due to travel restrictions, we are having to redefine how we are doing logistics in order to meet people’s needs.”

Typically, mail is received by crew members throughout the deployment during replenishment-at-sea, parts transfers and port visits, but as a result of the logistical delay caused by COVID-19, Vella Gulf ended up receiving a large lump sum of mail at once.

“We didn’t even have enough office space to sort the mail when it arrived, so we had to use the mess decks to sort the mail over about 4 hours,” said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Preston T. Spray.

When the mail is brought aboard, it is scanned, process, and resealed if damaged, then sorted by division prior to being distributed to the crew. Many Sailors receive letters and care packages from home. It is not uncommon for Sailors to receive some of their favorite snacks or photos of loved ones.

“It’s a nice reminder that people back home care about us and are supporting us with their words, gifts, and mementos,” said Spray. “Anything your family sends becomes sentimental when you haven’t seen your family in a while. Everyone starts acting a lot more optimistic.”

Receiving mail can provide a much needed physical connection to the outside world that digital communications like email can fail to provide.

Vella Gulf is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and the three strategic choke points.

• Date Taken: 04.07.2020
• Date Posted: 04.28.2020 17:41
• Story ID: 367600
• Location: ARABIAN GULF