Dahlgren (DLG 12) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 37 text:

- - HELOS PROVIDE MAIL Now station the Helo Detail was probably the most promising phrase uttered over the 1- MC during this Med deployment. These few words meant the possibility of mail, which to all was a blessing, being the next best thing to loved ones at home. However, helo operations didn ' t always mean the arrival of mail. Heli- copters returned technicians who had an- swered another ship ' s call for assistance or of- ficers from planning conferences; delivered parts urgently needed for some piece of dis- abled equipment; brought tons of supplies dur- ing Vertical Replenishments. But the most hoped for item when the call for the Helo De- tail was passed (73 times this cruise) was mail. The thanks of the entire crew go out to all who had their meals cut short or lost precious sleep or leisure time in order to man up for the Helo Detail.