So the unthinkable has happened and you need to notify your submariner while he or she is out at sea. How does one go about doing that? Unfortunately, I recently experienced this and wanted to share my knowledge to any other spouses in need of emergency assistance. This is when a “Red Cross Message” comes in.
First, what merits a Red Cross message?
A Red Cross message is warranted if a direct family member (spouse, parents, children, siblings) of a sailor is in an urgent or emergency situation (such as a last minute surgery, birth of a child, etc.) state of danger or deceased. It’s important to note that when your sailor first joined the submarine, they filled out an information sheet with their command. This sheet lists their communication preferences and all immediate family members. This information is shared shoreside through the Ombudsman.
How to Send a Red Cross Message
While it’s not completely necessary, we highly suggest you notify your Ombudsman first. The Ombudsman is trained and can be a great source of help. He or she is the connection between families and the boat, and they will speed up the communication process. The Ombudsman can also advise if your personal situation warrants a Red Cross message or not. Respect your Ombudsman and understand they will help you in every way they can.
Gather Information & Make The Call
Before you make the phone call, have important information handy: your sailors name, DOB, and the boat’s information. Every scenario may require different things, such a death certificate or a note from a doctor, funeral home, etc. You will need the submarine hull number and designation (i.e. SSN XXX, SSGN XXX, or SSBN XXX). Once you have all the information you need, call the following phone number: (877) 272-7337.
Follow the prompts and select the number associated with sending a Red Cross message to an active duty service member. You will be placed on hold until an agent becomes available. Once the agent answers, remain calm and be as clear as possible. They will ask you a series of questions, answer them to the best of your abilities. Be prepared to give information on the hospital, doctor, or funeral arrangements. The Red Cross must verify the information is true in order to send the message.
Before you end the call, ensure that the Red Cross has your correct email and phone number. This is extremely important! This is how to contact you and keep you updated about your message. Write down your case number and send it to your Ombudsman. They usually add this in their email to the command.
Wait For a Response
Remember the saying as a spouse, “hurry up and wait?” Once you have placed the request, it may take up to (if not over) 24 hours for the American Red Cross to verify and send the message. In some instances you may need to sign a medical release due to HIPAA. You will receive emails along the way as your information is verified and received.
Moving forward your main point of contact will be your Ombudsman. They will be able to tell you if the message was denied or accepted, and sent to the submarine.
While all situations are different, in general, the submarine will receive a Red Cross message and provide it to the sailor as they are able. Whether a sailor can come home or not is a determination of the ship’s operations and sailor’s preference. The submarine and its supporting commands make every effort to accommodate the individual sailor’s desire.
For more resources on deployments and sea time, click here.