K.,
My husband was on Subs in the Navy. These are his suggestions:If he does not have a notebook, and his eyesight is decent, take a look at some of the new sub compact notebooks that have screens less than 10 inches (diagonal). Those are very compact, have longer battery life and find nicely into tight spaces. I recommend an extra battery if it is available. Make sure a DVD Rom is included in some way.
If he is a smoker, cartons of cigarettes are like GOLD!
If he is taking an MP3 player or other electronic device that uses batteries, a big pack of batteries is a great idea (Costco has AA packs that contain 48 batteries). Rechargeable are nice, but there is no guarantee it could be used.
Digital Photo Frame filled with photos (Small ones, less than 8 inches so it can be put nearly anywhere)
Instead of a physical book, give him an electronic book that he can read on a computer. if he doesn’t have a computer get him an Electronic Book Reader (or see above about computers).
A PDA is wonderful for reading electronic books, keeping track of shifts and schedules and works as an alarm (although not a loud one). Very useful on the surface too!
Here is a silly one. Give him about 100 feet of cheap string. While the submarine is on the surface, go down below to the middle submarine and tie one end of the to the right side of the bulkhead (wall), high up (so people don’t walk into it) and the other end to the left side of the bulkhead. Then when the submarine dives deep under water (several hundred feet). Take a look at the string.
A good pen, decent paper and envelopes, and a lot of stamps. Everyone loves receiving mail!
EVERYONE LOVES RECEIVING MAIL!!!! Get together with whomever is running the FamilyGrams lists and find out how to send message, emails, and especially written letters to him.
Midway in patrol, the ship usually comes up for air and picks up supplies and mail. Send him a goody box full of treats! Letters too. Keep in mind, mail and boxes could be opened for inspection.
Ask me more
S.