PHOTOGRAPHS

Good photographs enhance the potential use of home town news releases. Either formal or informal portraits are useful hometown news photographs. These photographs range from the basic head and shoulders picture (mug shot) to a shot of the individual in a working environment. The individual's face should be clearly identifiable in the photograph.

The FHTNC prefers at least five black-and-white wallet-sized prints for each submission. The walletsized prints will fit easily in standard business-sized envelopes. However, if you must mail larger prints, the FHTNC will accommodate you.

Do not send negatives to the FHTNC, as it does not have the capability to work with them.

Most of the print media editors on-line at the FHTNC enthusiastically request more photographs. The Center sends out all photographs it receives, informal or formal, as long as amplifying information (identification of people, description of the event taking place, etc.) is included on the back of each photograph. Type this information on a separate piece of paper or on a label and attach it to the photograph. Your doing this prevents "bleed-through," a common occurrence when you write on the back of a photograph with a ball-point pen. Put the photograph in an envelope and attach it to the completed NAVSO 5724/1.

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

If you send nine or fewer release forms to the FHTNC at one time, the command releasing authority

Figure 17-3. - Letter of transmittal.

must complete block two of the release form. However, if a single mailing consists of 10 or more release forms, you must include a cover document called a letter of transmittal (fig. 17-3).

A letter of transmittal series several purposes. It makes the transaction official and gives the FHTNC authority to process the story. In addition, it aids the Center in processing the material faster by indicating the type of material submitted, the general subject matter and the number of stories involved.

Letters of transmittal must be signed by the CO or an officially designated representative (such as the PAO). Send only the original copy of the letter to the FHTNC.

HOLD FILE

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Interpret the policies regarding the submission of a hold file to the FHTNC.

A hold file is a roster package of NAVSO 5724/1 release forms submitted by a unit when it deploys. The hold file provides a rapid means of generating timely and newsworthy releases about the accomplishments, achievements and travels of your crew, either individually or as a group.

Hold files are maintained by the FHTNC for the length of the deployment and are normally returned to the command once the deployment is completed. If your unit is not deployed, you should maintain an updated roster package in your office anyway. In the event that your unit must deploy on short notice, you can submit a hold file with little effort.

Any unit departing on an extended deployment (usually two months or longer) should forward a hold file to the Center. If your unit will be involved in exercises or special operations of shorter durations, seek the guidance of the FHTNC.