The USS Barbero and United States Postal Service attempt the delivery of mail via Missile Mail

On June 8, 1959, a unique event took place that would forever be etched in the history of the United States Postal Service (USPS) – the attempt to deliver mail via missile. This ambitious project, known as Missile Mail, involved the USS Barbero, a submarine capable of launching guided missiles. While it may sound like a sci-fi movie plot, this real-life experiment aimed to demonstrate the USPS’s commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new delivery methods. Let’s delve into the fascinating story of the USS Barbero and USPS’s attempt to deliver mail through missile technology.

The idea of using missiles for mail delivery was not as far-fetched as it may initially seem. With the advent of nuclear submarines like the USS Barbero, the USPS saw an opportunity to leverage the advanced technology and capabilities of these vessels for their own purposes. The main objective was to find faster and more efficient ways to deliver mail, especially to remote locations that were difficult to reach by traditional means.

The USS Barbero, a submarine already equipped with the necessary facilities to handle and process mail, was the perfect candidate for this experimental venture. On that fateful day in 1959, the USS Barbero was off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida, ready to make history. A Regulus cruise missile, converted to carry mail instead of warheads, was loaded with 3,000 pieces of mail and prepared for launch.

At approximately 10:30 am, the missile was launched from the submarine, soaring through the skies towards its intended target – the Naval Auxiliary Air station in Mayport, Florida, some 100 miles away. The USS Barbero’s crew eagerly awaited the successful delivery of the mail via missile, a feat never attempted before.

Despite the high hopes, the reality did not live up to the grandeur of the idea. The missile, set to fly at an altitude of 50,000 feet, encountered several technical difficulties. It veered off course and ultimately crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, far from its intended destination. The grand experiment of Missile Mail had failed.

Although the delivery itself was not successful, the USPS saw the failed attempt as a learning opportunity. The experience provided valuable insights into the challenges of using missile technology for mail delivery, offering data that could be used to improve future endeavors. In fact, some of the technological advancements made during this experiment paved the way for the development of new airmail delivery techniques in subsequent years.

While the concept of Missile Mail was ultimately deemed impractical for widespread use, it remains an intriguing chapter in the history of the USPS. The ambitious attempt to deliver mail through guided missiles represents the USPS’s relentless pursuit of innovation during a time of rapid technological advancements. It serves as a testament to the organization’s willingness to explore unconventional methods in order to fulfill its mission of efficient mail delivery.

As we reflect upon the USS Barbero and USPS’s endeavor to deliver mail via missile on June 8, 1959, we are reminded of the importance of experimentation and pushing the boundaries of what is considered possible. While this particular experiment may not have achieved the desired outcome, it serves as a reminder that failure is often a stepping stone towards progress. The USPS’s ambition to revolutionize mail delivery through technological advancements continues to shape its operations to this day.

Although the attempt to deliver mail via missile on June 8, 1959, was ultimately unsuccessful, the USS Barbero and USPS’s experiment remains a significant event in postal service history. The boldness and innovation demonstrated by this ambitious venture continue to inspire and remind us of the importance of exploring new frontiers in the pursuit of progress. While the idea of Missile Mail may have been ahead of its time, it undeniably left an indelible mark on the USPS’s journey toward improved mail delivery methods.