Sailors aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) participated in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) throughout the month of January.

The annual fundraiser is the only authorized solicitation by charitable organizations of federal employees in their workplaces.

“The CFC is a great campaign because it allows service members to find a charity that they can connect with,” said Yeoman 1st Class Charles Oehler, a departmental representative for the campaign. “It’s an opportunity to donate to various organizations in need.”

With the ability to pledge online, Sailors can choose to donate to a wide variety of organizations, from international charities to local food pantries. If a Sailor chooses to donate anonymously, they have the option to place their contribution in a sealed standard envelope.

First year contributor, Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Christina Vega, from Queens, New York, liked her options when choosing an organization to contribute a donation.

“I’m very interested in the cancer research foundations and the other medical foundations,” said Vega. “Discovering this campaign has opened my eyes to the different charities in need, both internationally and locally. I’m really proud to be able to give back and contribute.”

In 2017, federal employees pledged more than $101 million for charitable causes around the world.

The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and these strategic choke points.

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