Let’s start with the past. Naval cancels first appeared in 1908, but little was written or known about them (and there were few collectors) prior to the 1920’s. It was at that time that Lieutenant Commander Francis E. Locy wrote an article on the subject, and shortly thereafter he created a system for classifying navy ship cancels.
 
Naval Cancels Then and Now
Covers from naval vessels that have been de-commissioned or destroyed (like those from the Pearl Harbor fleet) may be purchased through auctions (like mine) or made by traded for between private collectors. The number of available covers is limited, of course, which increases their cost.

 
Ships currently in commission, on the other hand, are a rich source for FREE naval covers. And savvy collectors are wise to realize that these relics of the present are ‘tomorrow’s history,’ likely to increase in value as time goes by. The beauty of contemporary covers is that you can create your own by simply sending envelopes to various ships for cancellation. What’s more…there’s no charge for the service! All it takes is a short note asking that your cover be postmarked and/or cacheted and returned to you.
 
It’s an ideal way for a novice to get started.
 
Ask & Ye Shall Receive
Address the outer envelope to the correct Fleet Post Office (FPO) as follows:
 
Navy Postal Clerk
USS Ship Name (Hull designation & number)
FPO # (available from the ship’s web page)
 
You may request more than one cover be cancelled and/or cacheted, but I recommend that you limit your request to no more than two covers so as not to impose on the ship’s postal crew. It’s also important to put your note and your cover into a large size envelope so that you don’t have to fold your cover. A fold detracts from the appearance of the cover and also its value.
 
Here are some other special tips to ensure that your request will be honored:
 
First, you’ll want to select a good quality envelope to send. A 24-pound white woven or rag bond paper in a standard size (6-1/2” by 3-1/2”) is best. Place your name and address in the middle/lower right hand corner of the envelope. It can be handwritten, typed, rubber-stamped or on an address label.
 
Next, add a stamp or stamps for first class postage in the upper right hand comer with a 1/4″ margin for the best cancellation.
 
To enhance the quality of the cancellation, insert a filler card of lightweight card stock or a sheet or two of heavy paper into the envelope. And don’t forget to tuck in the flap to protect the envelope from damage in handling or processing.
 
How Long, Oh Lord, How Long
 
Naval mail clerks are not required to service philatelic mail, although most seem happy to do so when time permits. Ships and stations generally process a request and send out a cover on the day it is received. Sometimes, however, the ship you send your requests to may be deployed and protecting the interests of the United States somewhere in the world. When this happens the sailors who are also the postal clerks may have too much to do to handle mail…or the ship may simply not be receiving mail in its current location. So be patient! A response to your cover request may be delayed up to 6 months.