How the USO Teamed Up With the U.S. Navy to Boost Sailor Resiliency at Sea

By Lt. Cmdr. David Carter

Life aboard a U.S. Navy ship is demanding and nonstop. Sailors face tight quarters, long hours and constant operational readiness, with little downtime. The pressure of being in an intense environment, combined with time away from family and friends, can take a toll on the mental and emotional well-being of the people who serve. In those times, moments of respite become crucial in making sure these sailors remain mission-ready.

The U.S. Navy has launched several initiatives over the past few years to address the well-being of its sailors, and so has the USO, stepping in with a bold, service member-centered solution: building USO Centers aboard Navy ships. That’s how the USO recently made a difference in the lives of sailors aboard the USS Bainbridge. Those serving aboard this guided missile destroyer recently celebrated a new, significant and permanent morale boost during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 22, 2025, for a new USO Center, part of a growing initiative to enhance resiliency for deployed service members.

The unstaffed Center — complete with lounge seating, entertainment systems, games and snacks — offers sailors a dedicated space to relax, reset and reconnect while underway. It is one of five such Centers being installed aboard destroyers assigned to the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group ahead of deployment, thanks to a partnership between the USO and Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic.

While the USO has previously established Centers aboard aircraft carriers, this slightly scaled-down version for smaller vessels marks a significant step in extending that same quality-of-life support across the entire waterfront — reaching the heart of the Surface Force.

For Cmdr. Raymond Miller IV, the USS Bainbridge’s commanding officer, the Center is about far more than comfort.

“As part of the Surface Force, our mission is to be ready to fight and win at sea,” Raymond said. “That kind of readiness doesn’t just come from systems and training — it comes from people. The space allows sailors enrolled in online classes a place to access Wi-Fi and sharpen their minds the same way they use the gym to sharpen their bodies.”

While space aboard a destroyer is somewhat limited, Raymond said the Center’s value far outweighs its footprint.

“This might be one of the smallest spaces on the ship, but I can already tell you — it’s going to have one of the biggest impacts. Whether it’s laughter over a movie or just a few minutes of quiet, these moments recharge our team and help them come back sharper, stronger, and more mission-ready.”

Marilyn’s continued commitment as a USO volunteer, donor, member of the USO Board of Governors and advocate for the military community is transforming the lives of the people who serve. | Photo credit Courtesy Photo

Many of these ship-based USO Centers were funded through the support of generous donors such as Marilyn Cohen, Chief Executive Officer of Envision Capital Management, whose commitment to quality-of-life initiatives for sailors helped bring the concept to life. In fact, Marilyn funded the first USO ship-based Center back in 2023, and now she is the first USO donor to fund all Centers aboard all five guided-missile destroyers in an entire Strike Group.

Marilyn also raises service dogs for the disabled and regularly conducts pet therapy sessions at her local VA Hospital, the VA Nursing Home and the USO — further reflecting her deep and personal commitment to the well-being of those who serve.

Christopher Plamp, the USO Chief Operating Officer and a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, spoke about the USO’s goal to serve military members wherever they go — even at sea.

“The Surface Force is a critical part of everything the Navy does, and this year we saw an opportunity to expand and build centers on these five DDGs,” said Christopher Plamp. “The USO exists solely to serve you — the men and women who wear the uniform. This initiative is a meaningful expansion for us, and we hope it makes a real difference for you during your tour of duty.”

In addition to the USS Bainbridge, other destroyers receiving USO Centers include the USS Forrest Sherman, USS Winston S. Churchill , USS Mahan and USS Mitscher.

The new Centers are sailor-led and self-operated, using USO-provided kits that include movies, games, snacks and supplies — turning a small onboard compartment into a morale hub for off-duty time.

To mark the occasion of this new Center’s opening, the Mobile USO Canteen vehicle (essentially, a USO Center on wheels) was staged on the pier to serve meals to sailors and guests ahead of the ceremony — a reminder of the organization’s enduring commitment to uplifting America’s service members.

As the event concluded, sailors streamed in and out of the new space — laughing, exploring and taking a few moments to appreciate the rare experience of calm in an environment built for combat.

“This isn’t a luxury,” Raymond added. “This is a tool. Taking care of our people is how we stay combat-ready, and this space may offer a quiet moment — but it delivers long-term strength. It’s an investment in the warfighter, and in the mission.”

Sailors on that mission often face difficult days. Yet in the heart of intense combat zones, moments of connection, comfort and care can help anchor a crew amid their duty. That’s why the USO remains committed to working with the U.S. Navy to support sailors at sea – ensuring that they never feel far from home.

- This story was originally published on DVIDShub.net. It has been edited for USO.org.