A Patriotic Opportunity to Support the Men and Women of the American Sea Services Here are the best ways to help support our troops. Make a Donation Join the Navy League Ship Adoptions Adopt a Sailor Write a Postcard of Appreciation Help deployed soldiers read aloud to their kids on video

Since our founding 100 years ago, the Navy League has relied on the unwavering patriotism, dedication, and determination of Americans to support our maritime forces and American sea power. And if there was ever a time when the armed forces, and in particular the sea services, need a strong voice - it's now. We know that a strong national defense is essential to realizing a lasting peace, at home and around the world.Your generous contribution plays an important role in helping the Santa Barbara Navy League serve as the supportive voice through educating the community and our government about the importance of our country's sea power, global peace and economic stability.The Santa Barbara Navy League is a tax-exempt organization, duly qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, contributions to which are tax deductible in accordance with Federal law.

1. Make a Donation

All Navy League programs are made possible through the generosity and commitment of people like you. If you are interested in learning how you can help the Santa Barbara Navy League and the men and women of the sea services please write us at:

Navy League of the United States - Santa Barbara Council
PO Box 4007
Santa Barbara, CA
93140-4007

You can also call us at (805) 969-4496; or send us an email by clicking here.

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2. Join the Navy League

Become a member of the Navy League and help support our troops. Your $40 per year gives you the opportunity to participate in special events such as ship visits and parties with visiting sailors, a subscription to Sea Power Magazine, discounts on car rentals, hotels and more.
Click here for more info.

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3. Ship Adoptions

The Santa Barbara Navy League has officially “adopted” the Santa Barbara-based U.S. Coast Guard Cutter BLACKFIN and local Marine Safety Detachment and America 's newest aircraft carrier USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) . As the adopting entity, our role is to:

• Improve the quality of life for sailors aboard ship and in military housing
• Provide quarterly outstanding performance awards for those sailors selected as top performers by their Commanding Officer. This is a great opportunity to let sailors know how their dedication and service to our nation is appreciated. At the awards ceremony, the Santa Barbara Navy League presents outstanding sailors with a recognition gift such as a “getaway weekend” at a local hotel, dinner for two at a nice restaurant, passes to an amusement park, and simple items such as photo frames or pen and pencil sets. Because sailors receive a limited salary, these gifts make the outstanding performance awards a bit more special.
• Develop family support programs including major financial contributions to a children's education fund, arranging activities for the children of the crew such as holiday parties and other activities which may otherwise not be available for family members, providing educational materials and other support for children of crew members and their schools, providing support to spouses and children in the event of crew tragedy, assisting with arranging free medical and legal advice for families in cases of hardship.  

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4. Adopt-A-Sailor Port visits are an opportunity for sailors to take time off from the job and see exciting parts of the world. Sailors enjoy visiting Santa Barbara not only because its natural beauty, but because this community welcomes them with open arms. We encourage community members to “adopt” a sailor during port visits by hosting him or her in their home, or by taking a sailor to lunch or dinner. To sign up to adopt a sailor during the next port visit click here.

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5. Salute the Troops Postcard Campaign

One of the best morale-boosters for service men and women is receiving mail from home, even if it is from a complete stranger. The Santa Barbara Navy League is inviting community members to actively support our troops by writing postcards of appreciation to:

• Those serving aboard the Santa Barbara-based U.S. Coast Guard Cutter BLACKFIN and the Santa Barbara Marine Safety Detachment.
• Those serving aboard USS RONALD REAGAN.
• Sailors serving aboard ships that have visited the Santa Barbara community. Navy ships that have visited our community are: USS CLEVELAND, USS DECATUR, USS GREENEVILLE, USS ELLIOTT, USS ABRAHAM LIN CO LN, USS MCCLUSKEY, USS MILIUS, USS RAINIER, USS RENTZ, USS RUSSELL, USS SACRAMENTO, USS STETHEM, USS JOHN YOUNG and USS DUBUQUE and USCG Cutter ASPEN.
• The Santa Barbara Navy League will also handle delivery of postcards written to the Marines, Army and Air Force.

How to Write a Postcard of Appreciation

• Send postcards only . A postcard showing a photo of your city, beautiful scenery or an animal is good to send. Or you can purchase a blank postcard and draw a picture.
• Indicate the name of the ship or branch of service you are writing to at the top of the card.
• Write a message of support. Let them know how much you appreciate their dedication to our country!

  Mail your postcard to:

  Navy League of the United States - Santa Barbara Council
  PO Box 4007
  Santa Barbara, CA
  93140-4007

The following is NOT ACCEPTABLE: 

• Obscene or offensive materials: photos, drawings or any other material which is sexually explicit or which has the potential to offend members of another race, background, nationality, ethnicity or religion.

• Personal identifying information: (applicable to participants who are under the age of 18) No last names, street address, city, e-mail or other personal information may be included in correspondence.

• Questions intended to obtain privileged information.

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6. Help deployed soldiers read aloud to their kids on video

The Family Literacy Foundation's Uniting Through Reading program is helps deployed military parents and their children remain connected while separated during long deployments, through the medium of reading aloud on videotape. Click here for more info.

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