sailors and receive mail on the ship?

Question

I was wondering if sailors can receive mail when they are underway on the ship? Any restrictions on what can be sent? I havent gotten a chance to ask him, but wanted to send some dvds, books, non parishable items.

Thanks!

Denise

Thanks everyone for the fast responses. He wasnt able to tell me exactly when he was leaving, i dont know if that is normal. He told me it would be no later than the 10th but couldnt tell me exactly when. Last time i emailed him, he couldnt tell me where they were. This is all new to me. We decided to have an amicable split since he got stationed in HI and im still in WA =/ but still would like to send him some movies if he cant get them himself.

Answer 1

YES! Sailors can receive mail while they're underway. However, you should send the package as soon as possibe, as it usually take 2-4 weeks for them to get it, depending on where they are. I think that dvd's, books, anything like that will make him feel so good. You'll need to ask him for the ship address (usually an FPO, which means that you have to go to the actual post office to ship it, a lot of places don't ship to FPO's). Good luck to you!

Answer 2

The answer would be sometimes, For example on a carrier the mail comes aboard on the cod (prop driven aircraft, almost like a taxi) Otherwise the mail is delivered as soon as the ship makes each port. You can send anything that it is legal to send thru the US mail. Hint hint, sailors love care packages :), WA was my wife and my last duty station together on active duty, we were at naval torpedo station in keyport...which I understand now is call Naval undersea warfare engineering station...quite a mouthful...lol

Answer 3

Yes, they have guys standing MAIL BUOY WATCHES to grab the mail off of MAIL BUOYS as they cruise. A sea plane comes and attaches the mail to the buoy. When a ship comes buy, the MAIL BUOY WATCH uses his BOW HOOK to grab the mail. If he misses and they don't get any mail, he's thrown into the brig for 3 days of bread and water than does 90 days in the scullery doing dishes for 3 meals a day. And for the rest of the cruise, a sign is hung from his rack that says I MISSED THE MAIL BUOY.
(USN, retired)

Answer 4

Depending where he is and what items he can have yes thy get mail but boxes now days I am not sure limits because of war change everones life. They are able to purchase on ship so he will be fine your thoughtfull and he is lucky to have you hang in he will be home soon God willing

Answer 5

call the local navy recruiter. They'll be glad to help.